North Korea tells UN South fabricated landmine incident, KCNA says

SEOUL, Oct 26 (Reuters) – North Korea said it had written to the UN Security Council, accusing South Korea of fabricating a September landmine incident and endangering troops working to fortify the border, state media KCNA reported on Monday.

• On Sunday, North Korea’s UN representative said in a letter Seoul was using the landmine incident to depict Pyongyang’s border construction as a military incursion, and warned violations of its sovereignty could trigger self-defence, according to KCNA.

• It concerns explosions on September 21 in the Demilitarised Zone between the two Koreas that seriously hurt two South Korean soldiers.

• Seoul subsequently said mines North Korea planted south of the Military Demarcation Line that runs through the DMZ caused the blasts. The UN Command said a North Korean mine across the line violated the armistice. Pyongyang has denied responsibility.

• North Korea’s letter also accused South Korea of opening fire on North Korean personnel, calling it a violation of the UN Charter, which bars the threat or use of force against another state’s territorial integrity.

• Seoul has said it gives warning broadcasts and fires warning shots to make North Korean soldiers return north when they cross the MDL.

• North Korean troops have been building tactical roads and fences and laying mines near the MDL in recent years.

• Last Friday, South Korea’s defence ministry again proposed military talks with North Korea to reduce the risk of accidental clashes.

(Reporting by Joyce LeeEditing by Bill Berkrot)

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