Asia-Pacific

DPRK to use nuclear deterrent if attacked: diplomat

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-28 10:14

HAVANA - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will use its nuclear arsenal if attacked by the United States and South Korea, DPRK ambassador to Cuba Kwon Sung Chol said Friday.

"If Washington and Seoul try to create a conflict on the Korean Peninsula, we will respond with a holy war on the basis of our nuclear deterrent forces," said Kwon at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the DPRK.

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"Our government will strive for the denuclearization of the peninsula and the establishment of a lasting peace as the beginning of the reunification process of the two Koreas," the diplomat said.

Despite obstacles created by the United States and South Korea, reunification will be achieved with the support of peace-loving peoples, like Cubans, he said.

Referring to the sinking of South Korean warship Cheonan in March, Kwon said the situation required the strengthening of support and solidarity between peoples of the DPRK and Cuba.

South Korea blamed the DPRK for the sinking of Cheonan. The DPRK rejected the accusation and proposed to send an inspection group to the south to verify the evidence. However, Seoul rejected the proposal.

Kwon also thanked former Cuban leader Fidel Castro for his public warning on the incident that it could unleash a major conflict in the area.

"His articles are an encouragement to our people, who fight against the imperialism," the DPRK diplomat said.

Cuban Vice President Ricardo Cabrisas stressed the willingness of Havana and Pyongyang to boost their relations for the sake of their peoples.

Cuba and the DPRK established diplomatic relations on August 29, 1960. The two nations are currently holding cultural and political events to mark the anniversary.

The 1,200-ton Cheonan with 104 crew members onboard sank near the maritime border with the DPRK on March 26 after an unexplained explosion. Only 58 sailors survived.