The Committee for Aiding Overseas Compatriots of Korea released a statement on Wednesday, denouncing it as a serious provocation against the DPRK and an unpardonable challenge to the aspiration and desire of all Koreans and other progressive people in the world.

Neither Chongryon nor its arrested officials have anything to do with the Oriental Co. Ltd, the statement said, and went on:

In less than five minutes after the arrest media of Japan simultaneously reported the news about it under the same title "Second son of chairman of Chongryon arrested." This clearly shows what purpose the search and arrest sought.

The operation was chiefly aimed to justify the extension of "separate sanctions" against the DPRK by branding Chongryon, a dignified overseas Koreans' organization of the DPRK, as an "illegal organization" in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of the formation of Chongryon and further stirring up the atmosphere against the DPRK and Chongryon throughout the Japanese society and thus realize the militarist wild ambition.

Chongryon officials and other Koreans in Japan are under the protection of the DPRK and any act of infringing upon their rights precisely means a serious encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK.

As Japan is wantonly violating the basic spirit of the DPRK-Japan Pyongyang Declaration and agreed points to persistently disturb Chongryon officials and their families, the DPRK cannot but take countermeasures and the Japanese authorities will be held wholly accountable for all the ensuing consequences affecting the relations between the two countries.