Khaberni - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that Pyongyang will not change its status as a "nuclear-armed state," will permanently enhance its nuclear power, and will deal with South Korea as its most hostile state, according to what the official Central News Agency reported on Tuesday.
This was stated in a political speech by the North Korean leader, delivered on Monday at the legislative council in the country's capital, where he spoke on a range of topics concerning public policy priorities, from nuclear weapons and defense policy to economic goals and relations with South Korea and the United States, according to the agency.
The nuclear path
Kim said, "We will continue to consolidate our status as a nuclear-armed state as an irreversible course, with escalating our struggle against hostile forces with vigor," and said that Pyongyang will ensure "full operational readiness of its nuclear forces to face strategic threats."
He said, "In accordance with the mission entrusted to us by the constitution of the republic, we will continue to develop and enhance our nuclear capabilities for self-defense," considering that developing a nuclear arsenal is "completely justified."
He also affirmed that expanding "defensive nuclear deterrence" is necessary for national security, regional stability, and economic development, and added that nuclear weapons have contributed to deterring war, enabling the state to direct its resources towards economic growth and construction and improving living standards.
Kim rejected the idea of nuclear disarmament in exchange for economic benefits or security guarantees, saying that "North Korea has already proven that maintaining nuclear power while pursuing development is the right strategic choice."
"US aggression"
Kim, in his speech on Monday before the Supreme People's Assembly, said, "The current global reality, where the dignity and rights of sovereign states are ruthlessly violated through unilateral force and violence, teaches us clearly the real guarantee of the state's existence and peace."
In his talk, he stated what the United States is doing amounts to "state terrorism" and "aggression," likely referring to the American and Israeli attacks on Iran that started on February 28.
It is noted that Pyongyang previously expressed its support for the Iranian people's choice of the new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who took office following his father's murder on the first day of the strikes on Tehran, as confirmed by the Central News Agency of North Korea.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry strongly condemned "the aggression waged by the United States and Israel against Iran," describing it as "illegal," affirming that these acts undermine peace and increase global instability.
Antagonizing South Korea
Kim then moved on to talk about the relationship with Seoul, saying that North Korea will respond "mercilessly" if South Korea violates its rights, confirming that it is now "recognized as the most hostile state."
He continued, "Pyongyang will make it pay the price, without the slightest consideration or hesitation, for any act that violates our republic."
These statements are the latest indication of Pyongyang's hardened stance towards Seoul, since Kim abandoned a decades-old policy aimed at peaceful reunification, redefining relations with South Korea as those between two hostile states.
On the other hand, Yonhap News Agency reported on Tuesday that the presidential office in South Korea said Kim's statements "do not serve peaceful coexistence" and that dialogue and cooperation alone can ensure mutual security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
