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Also in the news ... While the U.S. and South Korean governments still believe North Korea's
third nuclear test is imminent, Pyongyang is sending mixed signals about its intentions
to move forward with the test.
Choi You-sun has more. North Korea's ruling party newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, has said
Pyongyang is prepared for any international economic or military sanctions it would face,
if it conducts a third nuclear test, according to a Chinese media report.
The newspaper threatened a retaliatory strike against anyone that violates North Korea's
dignity and sovereignty, after blaming the U.S. and its allies for slapping it with UN
sanctions, and therefore driving the Korean Peninsula into uncertainty and instability.
The UN Security Council last month adopted a new resolution and expanded sanctions on
North Korea, condemning Pyongyang's December 12th rocket launch.
Toning down slightly from its recent series of rhetoric, however, the Kim Jong-un regime
late Friday criticized the U.S. and its allies, including South Korea, for jumping to conclusions
about the nuclear test, and discussing a pre-emptive attack upon North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
In an attempt to clarify what the rest of the world perceived as a direct threat from
leader Kim Jong-un to proceed with a nuclear test, a propaganda website said Kim was merely
vowing to protect the interest of North Koreans.
Pyongyang added Washington and Seoul would only end up regretting any pre-emptive measures
taken for a presumed nuclear test.
Many analysts believe the North Korean regime is trying to confuse and deceive the prying
eyes of the U.S. and South Korea by sending mixed signals.
Others suggest Pyongyang may continue to escalate tensions in the region, to pressure Washington
back to the negotiating table.
Choi You-sun, Arirang News.