May 30 (UPI) — North Korea is calling for the termination of a military intelligence-sharing agreement between South Korea and Japan in a statement that reflects an increasing trend toward interference from Pyongyang.
North Korea’s state-controlled news agency KCNA condemned Japan-Korea GSOMIA on Tuesday and claimed the deal is an “obstacle” to realizing the objectives of the inter-Korea Panmunjom Declaration signed April 27.
“Actions must precede words,” KCNA stated. “The South Korean authorities must show a willingness to implement the declaration through the termination of an agreement that is the equivalent of betraying the country.”
The deal was described as a “dangerous” agreement backed by “Japanese reactionaries” in Tokyo that divides a unitary Korean people.
“Not only is it necessary to terminate the agreement to realize the goals of the Panmunjom Declaration but to also liquidate the enemy faction,” North Korea stated.
This is not the first time North Korea has stated an official position on South Korea policy.
Pyongyang recently complained about the status of 12 North Korean waitresses and their restaurant manager and called for their repatriation again on Tuesday.
Japan has been firm about the conditions for offering engagement to North Korea.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday North Korean offers of dialogue are not sufficient and all talks must include a willingness to resolve the issue of abducted Japanese citizens.
Japan has remained skeptical of North Korean intentions as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe prepares to meet with President Donald Trump in the United States.
Tokyo’s foreign ministry said Tuesday there is evidence ships at sea have been violating North Korea sanctions.
Yonhap reported the ministry has found evidence the North Korean vessel Ji Song-6 received oil and other goods from a Chinese-flagged ship in the East China Sea.
A P3C Orion aircraft of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force captured the transfer, according to the report.
