N. Korea threatens war against foes

PYONGYANG, North Korea, April 18 (UPI) -- North Korea rattled its sabers Saturday, saying it's prepared to "mercilessly punish" countries that try to stop it from developing nuclear weapons.

The North Korean statement especially warned South Korea to refrain from joining a U.S.-led anti-proliferation drive, CNN reported.

South Korea "should never forget that Seoul is just (31 miles) away from the military demarcation line," said the statement, noting North Korea's army stands ready to "mercilessly punish" nations that encroach on its sovereignty.

North Korea has proposed holding talks with South Korea Tuesday at an industrial park in the communist state, where a South Korean worker has been since last month, CNN reported. South Korea, in response, said it needs to consider inter-Korean relations but supports the anti-proliferation drive.

A U.N. Security Council condemnation last week said North Korea's April 5 launch of a long-range rocket violated a U.N. resolution banning it from ballistic activity.

A spokesman for North Korea's army Saturday also dismissed six-nation denuclearization talks, saying North Korea "never pinned any hope on the six-party talks from their outset," South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.