N. Korea backs creation of independent state of Palestine

Pyongyang (AsiaNews/Agencies) - North Korea has supported the efforts of Palestinians and other Arabs to reclaim lands and independence from Israel during this week's U.N. General Assembly, the North's state-run news agency said Tuesday.
A North Korean delegate condemned the Jewish state for building a barrier in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the name of preventing terrorism, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, Kazinform reports referring to Yonhap.
He called for the realization of the "legitimate demands" of Palestine and Arabs to regain the right of independence, human rights and lost lands from Israel, which are fundamental for ending Israel's occupation in the Middle East and resolve the Middle Eastern issue, the KCNA, monitored here, said.
"He supported Arabs' struggle to win back legitimate national rights, including the creation of an independent state," the KCNA said.
The delegate also called on Israel to stop "state terrorism" and expansion of Jewish settlement in Palestinian areas as well as urged it to withdraw from Palestinian territory, it said.
Separately, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il sent a wreath to the Palestinian embassy in Pyongyang Monday to express his deep condolences over the recent death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, the KCNA said.