North Korea capable of defeating US: official

PYONGYANG / WASHINGTON

North Korea is armed with “powerful modern weapons” capable of defeating the United States, a top military chief in Pyongyang said yesterday, while the White House warned the country to refrain from future hostile acts.

Vice Marshal Ri Yong Ho emphasized the importance of strengthening the military to defend North Korea against threats it sees from the United States and South Korea. He called his nation a nuclear and military power and praised new leader Kim Jong-un, believed to be in his late 20s, as a “military strategist” who has been giving the army guidance for years. “The Korean People’s Army is armed with powerful modern weapons ... that can defeat the (U.S.) imperialists at a single blow,” he told party and military officials. The meeting, attended by Kim Jong-un, was held to mark the 80th anniversary of the army’s founding.

‘Refrain from hostile acts’
Pyongyang should “refrain from engaging in any more hostile or provocative actions. They do nothing to advance the cause of peace on the Korean peninsula (or) in Northeast Asia,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said. He said such hostile acts would “do nothing to help the North Korean people, many of whom are starving because of the predilection of the North Korean regime to spend money on weapons systems rather than on economic development.” U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta also warned North Korea not to engage in any further provocation.