DPRK warns ROK against rhetoric to chill atmosphere of reconciliation

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has warned the Republic of Korea (ROK) against rhetoric from some media and politicians that chills the atmosphere of reconciliation ahead of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics next month.

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a commentary late Saturday that while the DPRK is "making all sincerity and efforts for the successful holding of the Winter Olympics,""dishonest things are witnessed in ROK seriously chilling the dramatic atmosphere for the north-south reconciliation."

The DPRK has earlier criticized the ROK's President Moon Jae-in because the president praised US President Donald Trump for US contribution to realizing the inter-Korean talks through maximum pressure and sanctions.

"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 US and south Korea," said the KCNA.

Mangyongbong-92 is a cruise liner of the DPRK which is being considered by Pyongyang as a means of transportation to send athletes and visitors to the ROK during the games.

The DPRK and South Korea have worked out some agreements on Pyongyang's participation in the Olympics with athletes, artists, cheerleaders and visitors next month, plus jointly entering the stadium by the two teams under one single flag symbolizing national reunion at the opening ceremony of the games.