North Korea rejects UN nuclear watchdog’s criticism

Seoul, South Korea - North Korea has rejected a recent resolution from the United Nations atomic watchdog, asserting that its nuclear-armed status is absolute. The foreign ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) stated that the resolution, which called for an end to its nuclear activities, has no effect on the country's nuclear weapons program.

The spokesman accused the US and Western nations of attempting to undermine the DPRK's nuclear program during the International Atomic Energy Agency's general conference.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korea's leader, further criticized those hoping for the denuclearization of the country, calling them "idiots." The DPRK has not been a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for a long time, and the foreign ministry spokesman emphasized that it is illegal for others to discuss the position of the DPRK and its efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities.

The DPRK considers its nuclear weapons state status as permanent and irreversible, guaranteed by its actual nuclear deterrent and secured by the supreme law of the state. The ministry spokesman also mentioned that North Korea is prepared to more aggressively implement its strategic and long-term plans for building a reliable self-defensive deterrent in response to the worsening international security environment.

US President Donald Trump previously claimed that Pyongyang possesses 57 very powerful nuclear weapons, with Seoul estimating the figure between 80 and 120. The US leader has expressed willingness to resume dialogue with North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, indicating a planned meeting later this year.