North Korea accuses Japan of using World Cup as a stir-up

North Korea is accusing Japan of using the 2002 soccer World Cup and the threat of terrorism to stir up sentiment against it.

Japan is "working hard" to "deliberately connect" the threat of terrorism to North Korea ahead of the 2002 World Cup.

The report was carried by Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party.

According to the report, Japan "intends to use the championships as a good chance to launch a fresh anti-North Korea campaign... that will make all Japanese regard North Korea as the arch enemy."

North Korea cited a Japanese police report issued at the end of last year that allegedly underscored a need to closely monitor North Korean moves ahead of the World Cup.

North Korea also says Tokyo intends to take advantage of the fact that North Korea remains on a US list of states sponsoring terrorism.

The 2002 World Cup, to be co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, takes place from May 31-June 30.