N. Korean newspaper urges efforts to secure more scientists, engineers

SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper called Wednesday for the country to secure more talented scientists and engineers for economic development in what appears to be an effort to emphasize self-reliance amid stalled denuclearization talks with the United States.

In a front-page editorial, the Rodong Sinmun stressed that any challenges facing the country could be overcome if it strengthens its scientific and technological capabilities.

"If we strengthen our own science and technology capacity, it would continue to help us improve our self-reliance and tackle any challenging tasks without much trouble," the newspaper said.

It also called for efforts to provide more opportunities for people to learn up-to-date technologies and encourage them to take chances and risk failure.

In particular, the paper said it is necessary to provide more support for health, children and livelihoods lest scientists and engineers be distracted from their work.

This appears to be in line with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's demand for efforts to enhance the country's strength in the scientific and technological sectors since taking office in late 2011.

Experts see the North's renewed emphasis on science and technology as reflecting its worries over a protracted stalemate in denuclearization talks with the United States, the success of which it believes could open the gate for investment and economic cooperation.

North Korea's media have recently been stepping up calls for economic development and self-reliance.

kokobj@yna.co.kr
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