Posted on 06/21/2003 1:39:54 PM PDT by demlosers
About 40,000 people marched in Seoul Saturday, calling on communist North Korea to end its alleged nuclear weapons program.
The crowd included many South Korean army veterans and members of Christian groups, waving South Korean and U.S. flags. Some marchers burned North Korean flags and images of the country's leader, Kim Jong Il. Demonstrators also called for a stronger alliance with the United States, which has been pressuring Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program.
On Friday, U.S. officials urged the U.N. Security Council to approve a statement expressing concern over North Korea's weapons program. North Korea responded by warning it would take "strong emergency measures" if Washington pursues the issue in the Security Council.
Pyongyang has been trying to press Washington into bilateral talks over the dispute. U.S. officials have said any talks should include other countries in the region.
Saturday's rally comes ahead of the 53rd anniversary of the start of the Korean War next week. Thousands of U.S. troops have been stationed in South Korea since fighting ended in 1953.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
I think the Rising Sun needs to rise again in Asia.
Anti-Kim Jong-Il, anti-nuke rally draws crowd 90,000-strong (pro-American rally)
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