North Korea has demanded a complete halt to South Korean drone flights near its territory, responding to recent expressions of regret from Seoul over past incursions. The demand comes amid heightened tensions and stalled dialogue between the two Koreas, raising concerns about further escalation.
Co powiedziała Kim Jo Dżong na temat incydentów z dronami?
Jakie plany ma Pjongjang w odpowiedzi na naruszenie suwerenności?
Jakie działania zapowiada ministerstwo w Seulu w kontekście prowokacji?
Jakie stanowisko zajmuje prezydent Lee Jae-myung w sprawie incydentów z dronami?
Kim’s Sister Warns Seoul of ‘Terrible Response’
The statement, released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), is a direct response to remarks made on Tuesday by South Korea’s Minister of Unification, Chung Dong-young. The minister formally expressed regret during a Catholic mass for the flights of South Korean drones over North Korean territory in September of last year and in January.
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned that any recurrence of such actions would provoke a severe reaction. “I sternly warn the authorities of the Republic of Korea to take preventative measures so that such a foolish act never occurs again in their country,” she said, according to KCNA. “A repeat of the provocation will undoubtedly elicit a terrible response.”
Pyongyang officials emphasized that the identity of those responsible – “whether they are individual manipulators or civilian organizations” – is irrelevant. A South Korean investigation revealed that the spy drones were operated by civilians, including a student with ties to military intelligence.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification stated on Friday that it would work to prevent similar incidents from occurring, in accordance with the principle of peaceful coexistence. The development underscores growing regional tensions and complicates efforts to restart stalled diplomatic talks.
President Lee Jae-myung, who has sought to resume dialogue on the Korean Peninsula, views these incidents as a serious obstacle to de-escalation. His administration is distancing itself from the hardline stance of his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, considering the drone provocations dangerous to the peace process, Yonhap news agency reports.
