North Korean leader Kim slams sanctions

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL

North Korea's Chairman Kim Jong-un criticized global sanctions against his country Friday, dampening optimistic remarks from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

After being asked by President Donald Trump for a Pyongyang update, Washington's top ambassador told a Cabinet meeting Thursday that he was hoping to "make a big step here before too long."

But the North continues to pressure the U.S. over key sticking points that seemingly stand in the way of Pyongyang's denuclearization -- including Washington's insistence on maintaining sanctions until the regime verifiably abandons its nukes.

While inspecting the construction of a coastal resort, Kim reportedly described the situation as "a do-or-die struggle".

"Such a huge and grand creation campaign as the construction of the Wonsan- coastal tourist area is an acute standoff with hostile forces trying to stifle the Korean people through brigandish sanctions and blockade," Kim was quoted as saying by North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency.

Meanwhile, the North's official Rodong Sinmun carried a commentary Friday saying that the U.S. should agree to declare a formal end to the 1950-1953 Korean War "to pave the ground for detente and permanent peace".

The newspaper insisted that Washington "should implement phased and simultaneous measures, like the end-of-war declaration, to build mutual trust."

However, the U.S. has repeatedly stated that Pyongyang must first denuclearize before they can officially enter a state of peace.

At the risk of further upsetting Washington, Kim's number two Choe Ryong- is currently visiting Cuba, according to the country's Prensa Latina news agency.

Choe's trip there comes just days after Ri Yong-ho, North Korea's foreign minister, said he was building ties in Iran, another country the U.S. has difficult relations with.