Pyongyang: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), also known as North Korea, vowed to make a “powerful response” to the latest hostile US moves, which are “adversely affecting the security environment of the DPRK and the regional situation,” the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday.
A spokesperson for the DPRK’s Foreign Ministry lashed out at the US Department of State over its decision to sell the latest ultra-modern tactical missiles currently operated by the US Army and related equipment worth 125 million US dollars to South Korea, said the report.
The spokesperson also noted the US plan to allot millions of dollars to the “human rights” smear campaign to create conditions favourable for grasping the so-called “human rights situation” in the DPRK and gathering information about the country, Xinhua News Agency reported.
“The DPRK is well aware of the reality that there always exist outsiders’ malignant attempts and threats to the DPRK’s security and its political stability, and will make a serious, immediate and powerful response to the hostile acts in different spheres,” said the spokesperson.
Last week, the US government has authorised a potential sale to South Korea of AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and related equipment, the US State Department has said, noting that the proposed sale will help enhance the Asian ally’s air defence capabilities.
The department announced its decision on the potential government-to-government Foreign Military Sale (FMS), which is estimated to cost USD 125 million. The proposed sale requires congressional notification and review.
South Korea has requested the purchase of 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles and 10 guidance units, as well as other non-major defence items, such as training aids and devices, and spare parts, according to the department, reports Yonhap news agency.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region,” the department said in a release.
“The proposed sale will help improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by expanding its air defence capability, deterring aggression in the region, and ensuring interoperability with U.S. Forces,” it added.
(IANS)
