The US State Department expressed concern over North Korea’s violation of a September 19 military agreement noted by the South Korean government. At the same time, he urged North Korea to stop its irresponsible and provocative actions. Reporter Jo Eun-jeong reports.
State Department spokesman Ned Price criticized North Korea for violating the September 19 Military Agreement at a regular briefing on the 4th.
Spokesman Price said the South Korean government could consider suspending the inter-Korean military agreement, and made the comments in response to a request for comment on North Korea’s specific violation of the inter-Korean military agreement 17 times so far.
[녹취: 프라이스 대변인] “We are concerned about the DPRK’s apparent disregard of the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement and we call on it to end its irresponsible and escalating behavior. The DPRK has continued to engage in a series of provocations including the ones you referred to. As for a possible cancellation of this comprehensive military agreement we have to refer you to the governments on that.”
“We are concerned about North Korea’s apparent disregard for the comprehensive military agreement signed in 2018,” Price said.
He then pointed out that North Korea “continues to carry out a series of provocations,” including violating the military agreement.
He said, “Inquire with the Korean government about the possibility of canceling the military agreement.”
Meanwhile, Speaker Price reaffirmed that North Korea has sold weapons to the Wagner Group, a private Russian mercenary company, when asked how North Korea is helping Russia invade Ukraine.
[녹취: 프라이스 대변인] “The DPRK has provided the necessary security assistance, sending this assistance through third countries. We released information at the end of last year specifically speaking to the DPRK’s provision of security assistance to the Wagner group. The fact is, because of the sanctions, because of the export controls that the United States and dozens of countries around the world have raised against Moscow, Moscow has been forced to look for non-traditional security partners, countries like Iran, countries like the DPRK.”
Spokesman Price said, “North Korea provided necessary security assistance through a third country at Russia’s request.”
“Sanctions and export restrictions imposed on Russia by the United States and dozens of other countries have forced Russia to look for unconventional security partners such as Iran and North Korea,” he said.
Previously, John Kirby, head of the White House National Security Council’s Strategic Communications Coordinator, said on the 22nd of last month that North Korea had sold rockets and anti-personnel missiles to the Wagner Group, a private Russian mercenary company, and completed the first arms delivery.
At the same time, he hinted at the possibility of supplying additional weapons, saying, “I am concerned because North Korea is planning to supply additional military equipment.”
This is Cho Eun-jung from VOA News.
