NKorea criticizes Bush remark

[ProSense]

NKorea criticizes Bush remark

Fri Oct 12, 2:41 AM ET

SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea's state media criticized President Bush on Friday for calling Pyongyang one of the world's "brutal regimes," saying the remark shows an inconsistent U.S. policy toward the communist country and damages efforts to resolve their nuclear dispute.

Bush made the remark at a U.N. General Assembly address last month, describing Belarus, North Korea, Syria and Iran as "brutal regimes (that) deny their people the fundamental rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration (of Human Rights)."

In what's believed to be the North's first response, the official Korean Central News Agency said the comment hurts efforts to build mutual trust — an apparent reference to a softer approach Washington has taken in recent months in dealing with the reclusive regime.

"If this is a view of the highest U.S. authority, how can we assess the frequently changing U.S. viewpoint on (North Korea) and how can we discuss mutual trust that is key" to resolving the nuclear standoff and improving bilateral relations, KCNA said in a commentary.

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