North Korea “Grateful” to the U.S. for Assistance with Pirates
by Richardson ~ November 8th, 2007. Filed under: Diplomacy, North Korea, U.S. Military, U.S.-Korea Relations.While U.S. assistance to DPRK vessel in distress has nothing to do with a “symbol of cooperation” between the U.S. and North Korea – despite Hill’s comments, the U.S. would likely assist any ship in such circumstances – the sentiments expressed via the KCNA are nonetheless extremely unusual (h/t Steve). I’ll be watching related Rodong Shimnun reports for North Korean consumption:
The North’s Korean Central News Agency said the incident was a “symbol of cooperation” between the two countries “in the struggle against terrorism.”
Last week, the U.S. Navy boarded the North Korean ship Dai Hong Dan to provide medical assistance at the crew’s invitation after they had already overpowered and detained all pirates.
“The pirates’ recent armed attack on our trading ship was a grave terrorist act perpetrated against a peaceful ship,” KCNA said. “We feel grateful to the United States for its assistance given to our crewmen.”
[. . .]
The USS James E. Williams and a helicopter rushed to the scene and “helped the (North Korean) sailors in fighting, threatening the pirates over walkie-talkie,” KCNA said.
[. . .]
The main U.S. nuclear envoy, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, said Friday that the U.S. military helped the North Korean ship as a goodwill gesture. (emphasis added)
November 8th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
The KCNA are one odd bunch, that’s for darn sure, and this line made me laugh:
That is news to me.