Kim Jong: DPRK nuclear weapons deterrent to aggressors

The nuclear weapons possessed by the DPRK is a deterrent to potential aggressors, as well as the foundation of the country’s prosperity, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated at a plenary meeting of the Central Committee of Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK). His speech is published in full by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday. “Our nuclear power is a reliable deterrent to war and a means of protection of our sovereignty,” said Kim Jong Un. “Having a major nuclear arsenal, the people will be happy, and peace and prosperity will come to the country.” The plenary meeting of the WPK Central Committee was held on Sunday amid a sharp deterioration of the situation on the Korean Peninsula after North Korea carried out a satellite launch last December and in February this year conducted its third nuclear test. In response, the UN Security Council passed two resolutions that expanded sanctions against Pyongyang. The DPRK Foreign Ministry stated that it does not recognise the “criminal” documents that were approved, in the view of Pyongyang, under pressure from the United States and with the active participation of South Korea. In addition, Pyongyang reacted angrily to the US-South Korean manoeuvres that involved the B-52 and B-2g strategic bombers.