NewKerala.com

Key Points

North Korea has declared its nuclear weapons status permanent under national law. The statement came in response to US criticism at an IAEA meeting in Vienna. Pyongyang accused Washington of having "invariable hostile intention" while undermining non-proliferation itself. This comes as North Korea continues advancing its weapons programs despite dialogue offers.

Key Points: North Korea Declares Nuclear Weapons Status Permanent in Law

  • North Korea condemns US for raising nuclear issue at IAEA meeting
  • Pyongyang says nuclear status is permanently enshrined in national law
  • Accuses US of undermining non-proliferation through arms buildup
  • Kim Jong-un recently visited solid-fuel engine development facility
2 min read

North Korea says its status as nuclear weapons state is 'permanently' fixed

North Korea asserts its nuclear state status is "permanently specified" in law while condemning US denuclearization demands at IAEA meeting as "anachronistic."

"The position of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as a nuclear weapons state... has become irreversible - KCNA statement"

Seoul, Sep 15

North Korea said Monday its status as a nuclear weapons state has been "permanently" specified in the North's law as it denounced the United States for repeating its "anachronistic" claim about Pyongyang's denuclearization at an international meeting.

North Korea's permanent mission to the UN office and international organizations in Vienna issued a press statement condemning the US taking issue with the North's nuclear weapons program at a recent session of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"We strongly denounce and reject the US provocative act of revealing once again its invariable hostile intention against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ... and express serious concern over the negative consequences to be entailed by it," read the statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea said that while Washington has slammed the North's possession of nuclear weapons as "illegal," it is the US that undermines the international nuclear non-proliferation system through its radical nuclear arms buildup.

"The position of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as a nuclear weapons state which has been permanently specified in the supreme and basic law of the state has become irreversible," the North said, noting it will "as ever thoroughly oppose and reject any attempt to change its present position."

The statement came as North Korea has been advancing its nuclear and weapons programs while snubbing dialogue offers by the United States and South Korea, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a research institute that developed a high-thrust solid-fuel engine, where he said the new engine will be used for the next-generation Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile under development.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand North Korea's security concerns, permanent nuclear status is alarming. India has shown responsible nuclear stewardship - hope other nations follow that path rather than aggressive posturing.
M
Michael C
The hypocrisy is astounding. US complains about North Korea's nukes while maintaining the world's largest arsenal. India has maintained a no-first-use policy - that's the responsible approach.
A
Ananya R
This affects all of Asia. India should play a mediating role - we have good relations with both sides and can help bridge the gap. Peace in the Korean peninsula is crucial for regional economic growth.
S
Sarah B
The solid-fuel engine development mentioned is particularly worrying. These missiles can be launched faster with less preparation time. Hope diplomatic channels remain open despite the tough talk.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, I'm concerned about how this affects our neighborhood. Nuclear proliferation anywhere affects stability everywhere. Hope both sides show restraint and return to dialogue.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50