Pyongyang, September 17 (KCNA) -- A few days ago, Om Jong Sik, vice-minister of Unification of south Korea, groundlessly pulled up the DPRK, asserting "the north disregards the sufferings of the separated families" and "it should make a switchover in its approach towards the matter." In the meantime, he talked such nonsense as "the south Korean authorities are making efforts to settle the issue of reunion between separated families, regardless of political situation."

Rodong Sinmun Saturday observes in a bylined commentary in this regard:

What Om uttered is nothing but a nonsensical piffle.

The DPRK has made every sincere effort to settle the issue of reunion between separated families and relatives from a compatriotic stand, irrespective of the strained inter-Korean relations.

The south Korean authorities have, however, been busy "putting pressure upon the north," closing all channels of dialogue, cooperation and exchange with the DPRK.

The present authorities of south Korea insisted "they would not be the first to propose the matter to the north," paying no heed to the suggestion of many separated families and relatives to arrange their reunion in the run-up to the harvest moon day this year under the pretext of the present inter-Korean relations.

Various circles of south Korea including religious organizations urged the authorities to promote the reunion of separated families and relatives from a humanitarian point of view on the occasion of the harvest moon day, treating the matter as an issue independent of the political judgment. But the Ministry of Unification of south Korea coolly turned it down.

This being a hard reality, Om created the impression that the north was to blame for the situation, asserting it is disregarding the sufferings of separated families." This is just like a thief crying "Stop the thief!"

The above-said issue of reunion touted by Om is no more than subterfuge to tone down the public anger and hide the embarrassing position of the puppet group.

The reality indicates it is the south Korean authorities who should make "a switchover in their attitude" for which Om cried out.