Institute for American Studies of DPRK Foreign Ministry Condemns U.S. ICBM Test-fires

Pyongyang, May 6 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the Institute for American Studies of the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK released the following statement Friday: The U.S. carried out inter-continental ballistic missile test-fire on May 3 in the wake of the one on April 26 at a time when the situation on the Korean peninsula has reached the extremely dangerous phase due to the largest-ever joint military drills waged by the U.S. after introducing huge nuclear strategic assets, and the military provocation moves conducted by it. The U.S. claims the two ICBM test-fires conducted just in a little over one week were planned one year ago and they have nothing to do with the DPRK's nuclear and long-range ballistic missile launch but many world media are concerned that the consecutive ICBM tests by the U.S. can push the acute situation on the Korean peninsula to graver phase. The U.S. maintains it may carry out missile launches but the DPRK can not and that its launches are "contribution" to peace and security while the DPRK's are "provocation" straining tension. This sophism is the height of double-dealing standards. If the UN Security Council does not call the U.S. to account for its aggressive and provocative large-scale joint military exercises and ICBM launches, the DPRK will not recognize any UNSC's "resolution" taken over the DPRK's ballistic rocket launches but continue to disclose the absurdity of the UN "sanction resolutions". No one is entitled to find fault with the DPRK's exercise of its just right to defend its sovereignty and right to existence. -0-