New York: North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un said he would “strengthen and develop” the country’s nuclear weapons during a speech at a high-profile military parade in Pyongyang, state media reported.
“We will continue to take steps to strengthen and develop our nation’s nuclear capabilities at the fastest pace,” Kim said, according to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency.
According to KCNA, Kim gave the speech at a parade marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang.
North Korea is under international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, and repeated negotiations aimed at convincing Kim to end it have come to nothing.
Kim said the country’s nuclear weapons were “a symbol of national power” and should be diversified. “In preparation for the turbulent political and military situation and all kinds of crises in the future… we will further increase our nuclear force at the highest possible speed,” he said.
Kim added that while the primary role of the country’s nuclear weapons was as a deterrent, they could be deployed if North Korea’s “fundamental interests” were attacked. (ndtv.com)
