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               North Korea Denies Apologizing for Landmine Blast

   by VOA News

   North Korea has denied apologizing for a landmine explosion that
   injured two South Koreans, and says Seoul risks hurting bilateral
   relations if it implies otherwise.

   The North's expression of "regret" over the attack was a central part
   of a deal reached last week to end a period of unusually bitter
   hostility between the two neighbors.

   South Korea has said it views the statement as evidence it finally
   convinced Pyongyang to take responsibility for the early August
   incident, after weeks of denying role in the attack.

   In a statement Wednesday, North Korea's National Defense Commission
   accused Seoul of misinterpreting the statement.

   "Nothing is more shallow and cowardly than describing the joint
   statement agreed by North and South together as a victory for one
   side," said the statement, published in the Korean Central News Agency.

   "Briefly saying 'regret' is nothing more than an expression of 'I feel
   sorry for what you have been through,'" it added.

   South Korea's Unification Ministry on Wednesday said both sides should
   focus on implementing the agreement rather than arguing about who is
   right or wrong.

   "The fact is, the expression of regret was included. It is not time for
   us to ride an emotional roller coaster or argue over what's right and
   wrong about the agreement," said ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee.

   Under the terms of the agreement, North Korea expressed regret for the
   landmine incident. In return, South Korea shut off anti-Pyongyang
   propaganda broadcasts into the North.

   The two sides also agreed to resume reunions for families separated by
   the Cold War-era conflict and said they will soon hold talks, either in
   Seoul or Pyongyang, about improving relations.

   The deal put an end to tensions that had steadily increased following
   the landmine incident. In the days leading up to the pact, the two
   sides even exchanged artillery fire near the border. North Korea had
   also declared a "semi state of war" and readied its troops and
   submarines for a possible confrontation.

   Both sides have since relaxed their defense stance, and there are hopes
   the deal can usher in a new period of improved ties between the two
   foes, which remain in a technical state of war since their 1950s
   conflict never resulted in a peace treaty.
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   ndmine-blast/2941887.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/north-korea-denies-apologizing-for-landmine-blast/2941887.html