North Korea decries NATO fuel network overhaul as 'unprecedented' war preparations
Seoul, Aug 1
North Korea on Saturday condemned the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's recently approved fuel network overhaul plan, casting it as an "unprecedented" effort to prepare for war and evidence that the alliance is becoming "a more aggressive military bloc."
The condemnation came in a commentary carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), as NATO approved the Fuel Supply Chain Capability Programme Plan last month, which seeks to modernise and expand its Cold War-era military fuel pipeline and storage network across Europe.
The commentary indicated that Pyongyang is keeping close tabs on NATO's military movements at a time when its forces have been deployed to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, while the transatlantic alliance continues to provide military assistance to Kyiv, reports Yonhap news agency.
"Originally, there were disagreements among the member states because of the huge cost, but they were finally settled. This shows that NATO is clinging to the provision of strategic reserves for war while regarding it as a vital matter," the commentary said.
"What merits an attention is that foreign news are commenting that NATO worked out such an ambitious plan to cope with a potential war with Russia," it added.
Pyongyang further alleged that the initiative reflected NATO's intention to stockpile military supplies for future conflicts, reports Yonhap news agency.
"In a word, it is the evil intention of NATO to stockpile enough fuel and other war supplies and thus kindle the flames of war any time in any part of the world," the report said. "Several decades have passed since NATO was founded as a military bloc, but it is unprecedented that it prepares for war so openly as now."
Moreover, the North accused NATO of expanding its military presence into the Asia-Pacific region, arguing that it frequently stages "adventurous military demonstrations in the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula in collusion with the hostile countries towards the DPRK," the KCNA said.
DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The commentary pointed to the participation of Germany, Italy and other NATO members in the recently concluded biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands, describing it as proof that the alliance "always keeps the Asia-Pacific region as the theatre of war."
"The grave nature of NATO as a war bloc is becoming more obvious," the commentary said, warning that "to hasten war is to hasten NATO's ruin."
— IANS
Reader Comments
While North Korea's criticism has some merit, let's not forget they're hardly a peace-loving nation themselves. They've conducted numerous missile tests and threaten their neighbours regularly. NATO's actions and North Korea's reactions both contribute to global instability.
India should take note here. We've maintained strategic autonomy for decades, balancing relationships with both Russia and the West. This NATO expansion into Asia-Pacific could complicate our neighbourhood. Need to be very careful with our foreign policy moves. 🤔
The timing is interesting - NATO approving this while North Korea supports Russia in Ukraine. It's like everyone is just preparing for a bigger conflict. As someone who believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family), this arms race mentality worries me.
NATO's just doing what military alliances do - preparing for contingencies. But their involvement in RIMPAC exercises near Korean Peninsula does seem provocative. We Indians know from our own history how foreign military presence in our region causes tension. Hope this doesn't escalate.
North Korea calling anyone "war-mongering" is rich 😂 But honestly, all this military buildup creates a vicious cycle. Every nation thinks the other is preparing for war, so they prepare more, and the spiral continues. Diplomacy and dialogue should be the priority for everyone.
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.