Asia-Pacific

DPRK urges US to build peace mechanism

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-23 15:38

PYONGYANG: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) official newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Monday urged the United States to build a "peace mechanism" with Pyongyang to improve their relationship.

The newspaper issued a commentary saying the most pressing concern was to end the state of ceasefire between the two countries and establish a peace mechanism.

The move was aimed at eliminating confrontations and clashes and guaranteeing enduring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, the article said, adding that the need was highlighted by a recent naval clash off the west coast between the DPRK and South Korea.

Only if the two sides turned their armistice agreement to a peace treaty could a state of peace be achieved, it added.

The commentary also said the DPRK did not want confrontations and tensions and it had expressed several times its advocacy for a peace treaty.

However, the article said the establishment of a peace mechanism would mainly depend on Washington's stance and attitude, calling on the US to make a swift decision rather than looking for excuses for delay.

The Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27, 1953.