[ TERMINAL ACCESS: GLOBAL FEED ]

PYONGYANG — The Provisional Government of Korea, a member state of the Far East Independent Nations Union (FEINU), today unilaterally declared its 'provisional withdrawal' from key provisions of the MacArthur Economic Agreement, which forms the economic foundation of the union. The announcement was made via a communiqué transmitted from Pyongyang, in which the Provisional Government harshly criticized the existing agreement for 'obstructing genuine national self-determination and perpetuating an imbalanced economic structure among member states.' A spokesperson for the Provisional Government stated, 'We demand a comprehensive review of the agreement, or its replacement.' This development is seen as a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict among member states over the historical re-evaluation of the MacArthur regime and the review of the economic agreement, a dispute that remained unresolved at last week's emergency FEINU summit. From Yokohama, Japan; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Manila, Philippines, strong regret was promptly expressed over the unilateral declaration, and a joint statement demanding its retraction, condemning it as an 'act jeopardizing the unity of the Union,' is reportedly being prepared. Sources close to the matter indicate that with the South American Union (SAU) strengthening its military presence in the East China Sea, the Provisional Government of Korea's decision threatens regional stability and raises concerns of inviting intervention from external powers.