Sunday Times 2
US concern following N. Korean purge
View(s):SEOUL, Dec 14 (AFP) -The United States has warned North Korea against any “provocative acts” following the shock execution of leader Kim Jong-Un’s uncle, as the reclusive state campaigned to rally support behind the young supremo.
Washington also sought to step up talks with its Asian allies, voicing concern over regional stability after Jang Song-Thaek — seen as Kim’s political regent and the country’s unofficial number two — was executed on Thursday following a special military trial.
“Certainly, it’s something we’re concerned about, and we would urge the North Koreans not to take provocative acts, not to do so going forward, because it’s not in the interest of regional stability,” US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said on Friday.
The comments came after South Korea’s defence chief Kim Kwan-Jin pledged to increase military vigilance against any potential provocations, saying the stunning purge indicated Kim Jong-Un’s firm resolve to tighten his grip on power.
“We will heighten readiness against North Korea as (Jang’s execution) can lead to provocations against the South,” he said in the parliamentary defence meeting on Friday.
“This case can be seen as part of the reign of terror by Kim Jong-Un as he is seeking to consolidate his power with an iron fist.” He said the Stalinist regime risked misjudging the security situation on the peninsula, voicing concern over rivalry among North Korean military leaders eager to prove their loyalty to the young leader.
Meanwhile, the reclusive state today launched a fresh media blitz in a bid to rationalise Jang’s elimination and rally support behind the young leader.
Rodong Sinmun, the official daily, splashed on its front page a colour photo of Kim touring a military design institute in his first public activity following the purge.
Jang Song Thaek, the uncle of leader Kim Jong Un, with his hands tied with a rope, is dragged into the court by uniformed personnel December 12 (REUTERS/Yonhap)
The inspection trip was apparently aimedat displaying Kim’s firm grip on power after the shocking elimination of Jang, condemned by Pyongyang as “a traitor for all ages”.
Jang, 67, played a key role in cementing the leadership of the inexperienced Kim when he succeeded his father Kim Jong-Il in 2011, but analysts said his power and influence had become increasingly resented.
Harf, the State Department spokeswoman, denounced his execution as an “incredibly brutal act” that underscores North Korea’s “horrific human rights record” but refused to speculate on the reasons behind the purge.