Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

NK weekly-domestic news

Summary of domestic news in North Korea this week

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of domestic news in North Korea this week.

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N. Korea balks at removal as observer from regional anti-money laundering group

SEOUL -- North Korea on Thursday blasted a regional anti-money laundering group for recently stripping it of an observer status, saying the organization had become "a political tool" of the United States.

On Sept. 24, the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) reached a unanimous decision to remove North Korea as an observer due to its lack of engagement and failure to fulfill obligations.

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N. Korea holds 1st national meeting of cadres amid flood damage recovery work

SEOUL -- North Korea has held the first national conference of cadres, state media reported Wednesday, in an apparent bid to tighten the country's grip on the discipline of officials amid severe flood damage in border areas.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent an "important" letter to participants in the national meeting of officials in the personnel administration sector held in Pyongyang, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The report did not disclose the date of the meeting or details of Kim's letter.

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N. Korea warns of 'corresponding' measure over deployment of U.S. strategic assets

SEOUL -- North Korea on Tuesday warned of taking a "corresponding" measure against the deployment of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula ahead of a U.S. heavy bomber's flight over a South Korean air base.

The warning by Kim Kang-il, North Korea's vice defense minister, came hours before the U.S. heavy bomber flew over Seoul Air Base for a ceremony marking South Korea's Armed Forces Day in an apparent show of force.

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N. Korea strongly denounces Israel for attack on Hezbollah

SEOUL -- North Korea on Tuesday strongly denounced Israel for its recent attack on Hezbollah militants, accusing it of committing a "large-scale massacre" of civilians, the North's state media reported.

A spokesperson from the North's foreign ministry issued the rebuke amid the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah, which has killed more than 1,000 people in Lebanon.

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N. Korean leader reaffirms stronger ties with China in message to Xi

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed Tuesday that relations with China will grow stronger in a message sent to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the North's state media reported.

Kim made the remarks as he congratulated Xi over China's 75th founding anniversary, which falls on Tuesday this year.

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N. Korea will never bargain over 'national prestige': Pyongyang envoy

WASHINGTON -- North Korea will never bargain over its "national prestige," Pyongyang's envoy to the U.N. said Monday, reaffirming the recalcitrant regime's adherence to its nuclear weapons program in defiance of criticism against its growing security threats.

Ambassador Kim Song made the remarks during a general debate at the U.N. General Assembly, repeating its accusations of America's "hostility" towards Pyongyang and claiming that its nuclear weapons were "just made and exist to defend ourselves."

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N. Korean leader sends message to Cuba emphasizing strengthened bilateral relations

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has stressed the importance of bilateral relations with Cuba in a message, widely seen as an effort to strengthen their long-standing ties, despite a setback over South Korea's recent establishment of diplomatic relations with Havana.

Kim had conveyed cordial greetings to Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in a message delivered by North Korea's new ambassador to Cuba, Han Su-chol, during his meeting with the Cuban president last Friday (local time), according to Cuba's presidential office and the social platform X.

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(LEAD) N.K. leader urges swift reconstruction in flood-devastated regions

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for swiftly rebuilding homes in flood-devastated regions in the country's northwest, state media reported Monday.

Kim made the remarks during a "field guidance" visit to the flood-stricken regions of North Phyongan Province on Sunday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

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