NKorea blames 'hostile' US policy for tensions on Korean Peninsula

UNITED NATIONS – North Korea is blaming the "hostile policy" of the United States for continuing tension on the divided Korean Peninsula.

Vice foreign minister, Pak Kil Yon, told the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday the U.S. is aiming at military domination of Northeast Asia and has designated North Korea as "its first attack target."

Pak also contended that the U.S. was abusing the power of the U.N. Security Council, and that a January resolution that tightened sanctions on the North for a long-range rocket launch was unfair.

Pak did not mention the subsequent nuclear test explosion that was also condemned by the council and deepened concern over the North's weapons programs.

The U.S. says military exercises it regularly conducts with South Korea have no aggressive intent, and are meant to deter North Korea.