The Korea Herald

지나쌤

N. Korea stages military parade on armistice anniversary

By 김영원

Published : July 27, 2013 - 11:15

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    North Korea staged a major military parade on Saturday to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire, state television showed, which is marked as "Victory Day" in the communist state.

   North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao walked on a red carpet to attend the parade held at Kim Il-sung Square at the center of capital Pyongyang, which was broadcasted live by the state-run Korean Central Television.

   Thousands of goose-stepping soldiers marched across the square named after the North Korean founder with military bands leading the procession.

   Li visited the North to commemorate the ceremony as China had fought alongside the North against South Korean and U.N. forces.

The three-year conflict ended with signing an armistice agreement, which left two Koreas still divided.

   In North Korea, the armistice day has been celebrated as "Victory Day" in what it calls "the Fatherland Liberation War" to praise its founder Kim Il-sung's achievements during the conflict.

   Military experts pay close attention to preparations for the parade to get a glimpse of the communist nation's latest missile program. Past events publicly unveiled the North's long-range missiles and main battle tanks. (Yonhap News)