North Korea insists its nuclearization is 'irreversible'

North Korea has reiterated that its nuclear armament is an "irreversible" step, crucial for self-defense against external threats and for maintaining regional stability. A spokesperson for the country's Foreign Ministry stated that the development of its nuclear arsenal is a legitimate measure to deter foreign interference and guarantee national sovereignty and security.

The spokesperson dismissed calls for disarmament from the United States and South Korea as "fantasy." This criticism was directed at the joint statement from the sixth session of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), a body established by Seoul and Washington to coordinate U.S. extended deterrence over South Korea. The spokesperson found it paradoxical that these nations would discuss disarmament while simultaneously coordinating the use of atomic weapons against other countries.

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The development of our nuclear shield is a legitimate process to deter external interference and threats, guarantee the sovereignty and security of the state, and ensure regional peace and stability.

This latest assertion follows a joint declaration by Seoul and Washington reaffirming their commitment to North Korean denuclearization. The NCG meeting, held recently, included this commitment in its statement, a reference that had been a consistent feature in previous declarations from the mechanism. However, the previous NCG session in December omitted explicit mentions of North Korea and denuclearization, sparking speculation about a potential shift in strategy by the U.S. and South Korea, possibly to avoid hindering any rapprochement efforts with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

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denuclearization is an irreversible finalized matter, and it is a fantasy that the U.S. and South Korea mention the disarmament of other countries during a meeting to coordinate the use of atomic weapons against those same countries.