Rodong Sinmun Tuesday in a commentary terms this development as a dangerous military provocation aimed at throwing wet blanket over the atmosphere of national reconciliation and enthusiasm for reunification which grow strong in the wake of the DPRK's offer of new national reunification line and policies and escalating the tensions on the Korean peninsula and in the region.

Noting that the atmosphere of national reconciliation and unity is running high nationwide and the south Korean people from all walks of life are becoming increasingly vocal calling for dialogue and negotiations between the north and the south, the commentary goes on:

The south Korean authorities should stop military hostile acts of threatening the north and escalating the tensions at a crucial time when the trend of the situation is favorable for the improvement of the north-south relations.

In fact, the biggest factor of obstructing the improvement of the north-south relations is the military provocations by the south Korean authorities at present. That was why the DPRK side proposed a working-level contact for the opening of the north-south military authorities' talks for the military detente on the Korean peninsula a few days ago.

Nevertheless, the south Korean ruling forces are hell bent on the war exercises against the north, disregarding the DPRK's sincere efforts for mending the north-south relations. The south Korean ruling forces are talking volumes about someone's "provocation," but this shameless behavior can convince no one.

The prevailing situation goes to clearly prove once again who is chiefly to blame for disturbing peace and stability on the peninsula and escalating the military tension in the region.