NK criticizes ‘groundless’ US sanctions over hack
Print Edition
NORTH Korea yesterday criticized the United States for slapping sanctions on Pyongyang officials and organizations for a cyberattack on Sony Pictures — the latest fallout from a Hollywood movie depicting the fictional assassination of North Korea’s leader.
An unnamed spokesman for North Korea’s Foreign Ministry denied any role in the breach of tens of thousands of confidential Sony emails and business files and accused the United States of “groundlessly” stirring up hostility toward Pyongyang. The spokesman said the new sanctions would not weaken the country’s 1.2-million-strong military.
The spokesman told the Korean Central News Agency that the sanctions show America’s “inveterate repugnancy and hostility toward the DPRK,” referring to the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
“The policy persistently pursued by the US to stifle the DPRK, groundlessly stirring up bad blood toward it, would only harden its will and resolution to defend the sovereignty of the country,” the spokesman said.
The US on Friday sanctioned 10 North Korean government officials and three organizations, including Pyongyang’s primary intelligence agency and state-run arms dealer, in what the White House described as an opening move in the response toward the Sony cyberattack.
The sanctions might have only a limited effect, as North Korea already is under tough US and international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.
US President Barack Obama also warned Pyongyang that the United States was considering whether to put North Korea back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, which could jeopardize aid to the country.
There have been doubts in the cyber community about the extent of North Korea’s involvement. Many experts have questioned how the FBI can point the finger so conclusively.
The 10 North Koreans singled out for sanctions didn’t necessarily have anything to do with the attack on Sony, senior US officials said. Anyone who works for or helps North Korea’s government is now fair game, especially North Korea’s defense sector and spying operations, they said.
Questions remain about who was behind a nearly 10-hour recent shutdown of North Korean websites. North Korea’s powerful National Defense Commission blamed the US.
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