North Korea’s foreign minister, Choe Son Hui, announced on Thursday that the country will keep its nuclear weapons “forever,” a statement issued by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) that followed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly.
Lee Jae Myung had urged the UN to halt further growth in Pyongyang’s weapons capabilities and to work toward a Korean Peninsula “free from nuclear weapons.” His comments came a day before Choe’s declaration, which reaffirmed the North’s commitment to its nuclear arsenal.
“I reaffirm and reconfirm in the strongest tone of voice the steadfast will of our state to keep nuclear weapons through all ages,” Choe said. “The country’s nuclear status was irreversible in any case and will remain unchanged forever.”
Choe added that while confrontation and dialogue may be workable for others, they are “never a considerable one for the DPRK.” She described the country’s nuclear status as “everlasting” regardless of what hostile forces say.
Separately, Pyongyang reported that it tested updated 240‑millimetre controlled multiple‑launch rockets on 22 September. KCNA said the weapons can strike targets up to 115 kilometres (71 miles) away. The North’s vice foreign minister is expected to address the UN General Assembly next week.
Lee Jae Myung also said South Korea would lay the groundwork for resuming stalled talks between Pyongyang and Washington, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for dialogue with the North.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
