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≡ Two Koreas To Verify Disarmament, Demolition Of Guard Posts At DMZ
South and North Korea will verify the disarmament and demolition of 11 guard posts on each side of the Demilitarized Zone today.
Last month, the two Koreas destroyed ten frontline guard posts while leaving one each for non-military purposes as a follow-up to a military agreement reached in Pyongyang in September.
According to Seoul's defense ministry, the South Korean side will verify the North Korean posts this morning while the North will do the same for the South this afternoon.
Officials from the two sides will check whether the guard posts have been completely destroyed.
The ministry said it will brief reporters once verification work is completed.■
[2018.12.12]
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≡ US Redesignates N. Korea As Religious Freedom Violator
The United States has again designated North Korea as a violator of religious freedom, further subjecting the regime to sanctions from Washington.
North Korea has been on the annual blacklist since 2001.
According to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday, North Korea is among ten countries of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom."
Other countries include China, Iran and Pakistan.
The move adds to pressure on Pyongyang, with the U.S. imposing sanctions on three top North Korean officials a day earlier over their alleged human rights abuses and censorship.■
[2018.12.12]
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≡ Time Names Saudi Journalist Khashoggi As 'Person Of The Year'
Time magazine has recognized journalists, including slain Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi, as its Person of the Year.
In its announcement Tuesday, Time cited four figures it called "the guardians."
Besides Khashoggi, they are the staff of the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland, where five people were shot to death in June, Philippine journalist Maria Ressa and two Reuters reporters who have been jailed in Myanmar for a year.
It is the first time someone has been chosen posthumously for the prestigious cover.
Time said that 2018 has been marked by manipulation and abuse of information, along with efforts by governments to foment mistrust of the facts.
Time is producing four different covers featuring the honorees.
President Moon Jae-in, along with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, were shortlisted for the honor.■
[2018.12.12]