North Korea calls Ban Ki-moon an opportunistic 'chameleon'

North Korea has ridiculed UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's ambition to become South Korea's President. N.Korea's state-run website alleged that Ban's presidential ambitions were absurd.

Seoul, Dec 23: North Korea has mocked outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon over his apparent ambitions to run for South Korean president, calling him an opportunistic "chameleon in a human mask" who's dreaming a "hollow dream."

The North's state-run Uriminzokkiri website said on Friday that Ban's alleged presidential ambitions were absurd because the way he handled his job as UN chief for the past 10 years has left him living in "criticism and shame."

Ban has not officially declared an ambition to run for South Korean president, but he has not denied his interest either. In a meeting with South Korean reporters earlier this week, Ban said he was ready to "burn" his body in devotion for South Korea, his strongest hint yet of a presidential bid.

"If what I have learned, seen and felt during my 10-year service as UN secretary-general could help advance Korea, I am more than willing to sacrifice myself for this cause," the Jakarta Post quoted Ban as saying.

His term as United Nations Secretary-General ends on December 31.

PTI