Pope
Francis's appeal for peace on the Korean Peninsula "was a consolation for
all of us living in North Korea. Even though the government did not give much
publicity to the event (Urbi et Orbi blessing on 31 March),
we heard about it. Like him, we hope for peace.
We do not want to be isolated from the rest of the world," said a North
Korean Christian.
Anonymous for security reasons, he spoke to a source working
at the border who relayed the information to AsiaNews.
According to the
source, "there will be no war. Our bishops are right; it is a matter of
political balance in the North and humanitarian aid. Pyongyang cannot lose
face, so all these threats have to produce something. But it is hard to know whether
there will be a land invasion or an attack against US or South Korean military
sites. Whatever the case, we must pray, as the pope said, for there to be peace
and a new reconciliation in Korea. "
Tensions continue to
rise however. Once the ultimatum on the evacuation of foreigners came and went,
North Korea deployed its medium-range rockets and appears ready to launch them,
Japanese and South Korean intelligence sources reported.
North Korea moved Musudan rockets to the east
coast that can hit "multiple technical, military and even civilian targets."
According to sources, "satellites spotted the locations and we are ready
to react. But in case of attack, we cannot say what will happen."
In any case, for South Korea's
defence, the situation is "strange. Two rockets at an east coast installation were
moved out and then back inside their hangar. At the same time, five transporter
launchers were also moved. North Korea is trying to confuse US and South Korean
officials. "
The Korean Peninsula
has more than a 70 per cent chance of war "because North Korean leader Kim
Jong-un may want to use this opportunity to force a reunification of the Korean
Peninsula," said Zhang Liangui, a Chinese expert on North Korea.
Yet, the Chinese
government does not approve of this. Beijing in fact backed United Nations sanctions
against North Korea after the latter carried out a nuclear test in February and
reduced its humanitarian aid to its neighbour, calling on its leaders to stay
calm.
In an indirect but
clear reference to North Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday said, "no
one should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for
selfish gains."
At present, the North's
next military provocation is expected to take place before 15 April, anniversary
of the birth of the founder of the state, Kim Il-sung, grandfather and inspiration
for the current dictator.
Tomorrow's meeting in
Seoul between US Secretary of State John Kerry and South Korean Foreign
Minister Yun Byung-se appears to back this theory.
Washington's top diplomat
will be in the South Korean capital after a G8 meeting currently underway in
London. Immediately afterwards, he will travel to China and Japan on a 10-day visit.