FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN SLAMS U.S. FOR FINDING FAULT WITH DPRK'S BALLISTIC ROCKET FIRING DRILL

Pyongyang, July 21 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK gave the following answer to a question raised by KCNA Thursday in connection with the fact that the U.S. found fault with the ballistic rocket firing drill conducted by the Korean People's Army: Official figures of the White House and the State and Defense Departments of the U.S. are branding the ballistic rocket firing drill conducted by the Hwasong artillery units of the Strategic Force of the KPA as "violation of resolution" of the UN Security Council and "provocation".

The U.S. action reminds one of a thief crying "Stop the thief!" as it took issue with the routine military rehearsal of the KPA. The U.S. has to look back on the fact that it is posing a grave threat to the DPRK with nuclear weapons after bringing to south Korea all types of strategic assets, before slandering others. The unceasing arms buildup and nuclear war drills of the U.S. are real threats to the peace and security of the Korean peninsula and a wanton violation of the UN Charter and international law.

Just like a robber shaking his fist at the owner after breaking into his house, the U.S. is accusing the DPRK of its legitimate countermeasure for self-defence. This is an intolerable provocation against the DPRK. With the joint military exercises Ulji Freedom Guardian scheduled in coming August at hand, the U.S. is steadily escalating the tension on the Korean peninsula.

There is no guarantee that the saber-rattling which the U.S. plans to stage with the coming joint military exercises as an occasion would not lead to igniting the fuse of a nuclear war. The spokesman warned that the U.S. will be made to face a prompt, merciless and deadly nuclear retaliation if it plays with fire on the peninsula despite the repeated warnings by the DPRK.

Some countries about to side with the U.S. should take unbiased stand with a clear understanding of the nature of the situation and contribute to ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the rest of the world, the spokesman stressed.