S. Korean Puppet Group Accused of Blocking Opening of Joint Conference

Pyongyang, August 22 (KCNA) -- A working-level meeting of the north, the south and overseas for holding a great national meeting for reunification was successfully held in Shenyang, China recently amid the great expectation and concern at home and abroad and a joint press release reflecting the unanimous aspiration and wishes of all Koreans for the successful holding of the joint conference was issued at the meeting. But the south Korean puppet group are taking issue with the proposal made by the DPRK for the joint conference, terming it "camouflaged peace offensive" and claiming that "the north's dismantlement of nuclear weapons is top priority." While criminalizing the righteous action of the members of the south side who participated in the working-level meeting, the group are threatening to "severely punish" them. Commenting on this, Rodong Sinmun Monday says it is an unbearable challenge and insult to the DPRK's sincere efforts and an unpardonable anti-reunification move to chill the sentiments of people of all social standings in south Korea supporting the joint conference and escalate confrontation with the DPRK. What awaits the group of traitors is only a stern judgment by history as they are keen on the confrontation with the DPRK in collusion with foreign forces while trying to dampen the ardent desire of the nation for reunification, the commentary notes, and goes on: We will join hands with all Koreans and make proactive efforts for the successful holding of a great national meeting for reunification and dynamically pave the way of independent reunification through contacts and dialogue with broad segments of organizations and figures in south Korea and overseas. With no vicious obstructions can the group of traitors arrest the struggle of the Koreans for national unity and independent reunification. -0-