North Korea Will Not Renounce Its Status as a Nuclear Power 0 10

Over the weekend, Kim was re-elected as chairman of the State Council. According to the constitution of North Korea, this body is the highest organ of state policy.

"We will continue to firmly strengthen our status as a nuclear power as an irreversible course, while simultaneously intensifying the struggle against hostile forces," Kim stated at a session of the Supreme People's Assembly, which serves as the formal parliament.

In his lengthy speech, Kim addressed a number of issues—from nuclear weapons and defense policy to economic goals and relations with the United States and South Korea. He emphasized that North Korea will continue to develop nuclear weapons to bolster its status, adding that this is "completely justified."

Kim stated that North Korea will ensure the "full combat readiness" of its nuclear forces to counter "strategic threats."

The North Korean leader also sharply criticized neighboring South Korea, calling it the most hostile state. Pyongyang will make it "pay dearly for any actions affecting our Republic," Kim declared.