DPRK denounces ROK for delaying OPCON takeover

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday denounced the Republic of Korea (ROK) for delaying retaking wartime operational control (OPCON) of troops from the United States, saying the move has put the Korean Peninsula "to the brink of war."

The growing military nexus between the United States and the ROK "has gone beyond a tolerance limit," the DPRK National Peace Committee of Korea said in a statement.

It will not only increase danger of a nuclear war on the peninsula but also threaten peace and security in Asia and the world at large, it added.

In the statement Pyongyang again underscored the purpose of developing its nuclear program is to defend itself from outside attacks in light of the prevailing situation.

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and his ROK counterpart Han Min-koo agreed on Oct. 23 to implement ROK's proposal for a conditions-based approach to transferring wartime control of allied forces, known as operational control, to ensure the combined defense posture remains strong and seamless.

The decision means a US general will continue to command Combined Forces Command in Seoul and the United States will retain its wartime leadership role until the alliance agrees conditions are conducive for a stable OPCON transition.