김여정, 한미훈련 비난..."미국에게 대화 진정성을 보여달라는 메세지"
Observers say Kim Yo-jong warning once again shows that the North is firmly opposed to any military drills.
It could also indicate that the North wants bigger concessions in exchange for better ties with South Korea and the U.S.
Kim Dami has more.
The latest criticism of the allies' joint military drills... from the sister of the North Korean leader... is a direct message to Washington... asking that the U.S. call off the exercises to show that it's sincere about resuming dialogue.
This is what some experts say,... especially considering that the North has made the suspension of the drills... a precondition for talks.
Pyeongyang is also trying to get the upper hand in such a deal by bringing up its long-held demand that American troops leave South Korea.
"The North is trying to get ahead by saying that it will bring up the withdrawal of American troops from South Korea when Pyeongyang-Washington talks resume."
Calling Seoul's decision to go ahead with the drills an "act of betrayal," Kim Yo-jong also said on behalf of her brother... that the North regrets that nothing has been accomplished even after restoring communication lines with the South.
Instead, Kim reiterated that the North will strengthen its defenses.
"The North is trying to justify the steps taken by its military to develop new weapons and its firing of submarine-launched ballistic missiles."
Despite the harsh words, though, the regime may be not in the best situation for hostility given the crises it's dealing with at home.
"The North has to focus on internal matters like the COVID-19 crisis as well as natural disasters this month that have dealt a major blow to its farms."
Experts think the North will wait and see for now... while taking care of these internal matters, including flood relief.
Kim Dami, Arirang News.
#NorthKorea #US #dialogue
2021-08-10, 19:00 (KST)
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