North Korea's threats aim to increase aid, preserve pride: Bishop

April 10, 2013: The head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea said North Korea's recent threats of aggression may be an attempt to shore up foreign aid while preserving pride. "It is our presumption that they wish to draw out some financial assistance from abroad without conceding their pride or self-esteem," Bishop Peter Kang U-Il of Cheju, South Korea, said in an April 9 email to Catholic News Service. He said Catholic bishops feel very sorry that tension provoked by North Korean threats are making the whole world very uncomfortable and anxious. Though South Koreans appear to be calm and tranquil, they may feel uneasy about the present escalating atmosphere between two Koreas, Bishop Kang said. The prelate personally appealed to people of Korea to pray for the peace in the peninsula. He offered a prayer he composed appealing for mercy for a "silly flock" whose actions are causing hunger, suffering and drawing people to violence and death.
Under supreme leader Kim Jong, North Korea announced it launched a rocket in December and conducted its third underground nuclear test in February .Later March 30 North Korea announced that Kim had declared a "do-or-die" battle against invasion after a U.S. stealth bombers drill. In an April 9 television announcement, government advised foreign institutions and enterprises, including tourists, to take measures to prepare for evacuation and their safety in case of war. Bishop Kang said North Korea might be threatening war because it cannot revitalize its economy and rise up from its "destitute situation" without foreign investments. "I think we need much patience in dealing with the people of North Korea, who have been isolated for a long time from the modern world," he added.
CNS: