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Kim Jong-Un’s New Year’s Address |
| By
Stephen Lendman |
| Trump disgracefully calls Kim a “madman,” a characterization applying
to him, not North Korea’s leader, his country’s security gravely threatened
by possible US aggression. In a New Year’s address, Kim showed he wants peace, not war. He’s “open to dialogue” with Seoul, a willingness to participate in the February Olympics, saying: “North Korea’s participation in the Winter Games will be a good opportunity to show the unity of the people, and we hope the Games will be a success.” Officials from both countries may meet to discuss DPRK participation. Kim stressed the importance of his country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, deterrents against possible US aggression, not to wage war he opposes. His address was a diplomatic message of outreach and peace. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Pyongyang’s participation in the winter games would help insure their safety. He urged postponing last month’s joint military exercises with Pentagon force, held as schedule because Washington remains hardline. The DPRK denounces what it calls provocative rehearsals for war, fearing it could come in the new year after the winter Olympics. Kim said his military will focus on mass producing nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles for operational deployment” in 2018, adding: “The entire US is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk.” “This is reality, not a threat,” stressing “these weapons will be used only if our security is threatened.” North Korean nuclear and ballistic missiles capabilities don’t threaten continental America so far. Yet technological advances continue being made. Asia/Pacific countries already are threatened if Washington attacks the DPRK, devastating nuclear war likely following - South Korea, Japan, and US regional forces likely targets in response to an attack on North Korean territory. Kim stressed the importance of “bolster(ing)” the nation’s “military capabilities for self-defense,” not offense. A South Korean government spokesman said its leadership views Kim’s address positively, suggesting a ministerial-level dialogue with Pyongyang to discuss ways of improving relations. An uneasy armistice since the 1950s, along with America’s rage for war prevent resolving crisis conditions on the Korean peninsula. The problem lies squarely in Washington, not Pyongyang. VISIT MY NEW WEB SITE: stephenlendman.org (Home - Stephen Lendman). Contact at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III." http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html |