Ruling party slams N. Korea for blowing up roads, railways connected to S. Korea

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) slammed North Korea on Thursday for blowing up parts of its roads and railways connected to South Korea, saying such actions underscore the need for a firm defense posture. North Korea blew up parts of the Gyeongui and Donghae roads and railways Tuesday, days after threatening to do so to "completely separate" its territory from that of South Korea. "These connecting roads were built with 180 billion won (US$132 million) worth of taxpayers' precious money," PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said during a party Supreme Council meeting. "If Kim Jong-un's dictatorial regime behaves this way, it will only reinforce our people's perspectives on North Korea." Han expressed the party's support for the government's firm position on North Korea. "Dialogue is necessary, but dialogue must be premised on strength, readiness and training," he said. Source: Yonhap News Agency