S. Korean Authorities Warned Not to Put out Hardly-kindled Spark for Improved North-South Relations

Pyongyang, January 20 (KCNA) -- We are now making all sincerity and efforts for the successful holding of the Winter Olympics due in south Korea in line with the unanimous expectation and wish of all Koreans.

But witnessed in south Korea, quite contrary to this, are dishonest things seriously chilling the dramatic atmosphere for the north-south reconciliation created by the great magnanimity and the initiative steps taken by the DPRK.

Along with the south Korean chief executive's ill-boding comments, there heard rubbish calling the technical issues regarding the DPRK's participation in the Olympics a "violation of sanctions on the north".

The conservative media and persons claimed that the use of "Mangyongbong-92" and Air Koryo during the Olympic period falls foul of the "independent sanctions" by the U.S. and south Korea. And they also said that provision of sports facilities for the players from the north and the financial support for the stay of delegations, cheering group and press group have the sign of "violating the sanctions" and that some high-ranking officials of the north with likeability to visit Phyongchang are on the list of "sanctions".

Needless to say, this represents the unpleasant and uneasy mind of the U.S. and the south Korean conservative forces displeased with the trend for the improvement of the north-south relations created after entering the new year.

What matters here is that the south Korean authorities have taken unequivocal stand, pledging to "prevent the controversy about violation of sanctions on the north as regards the north's participation in Phyongchang Olympics" and "to closely cooperate with the UN Sanctions Committee and the U.S. and other parts of the international community" for this.

To go senseless without manners and etiquette as the host is a shameful and foolish act before the world as it is little short of binding oneself hand and foot.

Now is a crucial time that every single matter should be handled with utmost care so as not to have adverse effect on the atmosphere for improving the north-south relations, and efforts should be exerted so that both sides can build confidence and have good feelings.

The ambiguous stand of the south Korean authorities cannot be construed otherwise than a revelation of the sinister intention to give impression that they are bringing someone benefits and they are doing something big for the north-south reconciliation while pleasing their American master.

The south Korean authorities should behave with discretion, away from the narrow-minded way of approach toward the DPRK's sincerity and magnanimity.

Everything is now at the beginning.

The south Korean authorities should make clear their stand, bearing in mind that their light acts and deeds may result in putting out the hardly-kindled spark for the improvement of the north-south relations. -0-