North Korea has lashed out at the United States and South Korea for planning to conduct two joint military exercises against it in March, saying such an action will undermine the Six-Party talks.

North Korea made the remarks on the eve of two joint military exercises code-named "Key Resolve" and "Foal Eagle", which will be held in March in South Korea.

"The projected joint military war exercise of the US runs counter to the Six-Party talks", said North Korean leading official newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Sunday.

"Their (The US and South Korea) aim is to ignite a war against the north when a chance presents itself, while wasting time under the pretext of the Six-Party talks," said the newspaper.

"Leveling a gun at the dialogue partner while talking about dialogue and improved relations is an act contrary to common sense and diplomatic practice", it added.

The newspaper also warned that the United States should take the full responsibility for the consequences caused by the exercises.

It was reported that 12,000 US troops are currently stationed in South Korea and another 6,000 US troops are stationed in the Pacific region.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2008)