North Korea renewed a threat on
Saturday to conduct a nuclear test amid heightened
concern that the reclusive state with a stockpile of
missiles may set off an atomic device for the fourth
time on the path to building a nuclear arsenal.
North Korea’s official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said
the country was justified in using all available means
at its disposal to counter aggressive challenges by the
United States and South Korea aimed at stifling its
sovereignty.
North Korea clarifies “its resolute stand that it would
take counter-measures including nuclear test to
protect the sovereignty and dignity,” the newspaper
said in a commentary carried by the official KCNA
news agency.
The threat comes days after statements by South
Korea’s defense minister that preparations for a new
test appear to be near completion although analysis
by an American think tank last week suggested a test
may not be imminent.
A U.S. official said the United States is “closely
monitoring” the situation on the Korean peninsula and
urged North Korea to refrain from actions that could
threaten regional peace.
“The United States remains steadfast in its
commitment to the defense of its allies and continues
to coordinate closely with both the Republic of Korea
and Japan,” National Security Council spokesman
Patrick Ventrell said in an emailed statement.
North Korea had stepped up the threat in March to
show off its military strength to counter what it said
was hostility led by the United States after the U.N.
Security Council condemned Pyongyang’s launch of
mid-range missiles into the sea.
“We would not rule out a new form of nuclear test for
bolstering up our nuclear deterrence,” it said in March.
North Korea is under heavy sanctions imposed by
several U.N. resolutions adopted beginning in 2006
but has defied pressure to abandon its missile and
nuclear programs. It last conducted a nuclear test in
February last year.
The impoverished state under young leader Kim Jong
Un has channeled resources into building a nuclear
arsenal and is believed to be working to miniaturize a
warhead to mount on its long-range missiles to try to
strike the mainland United States.
But general consensus among experts and officials is
that it is some time away from perfecting the
technology.
North Korea has conducted engine tests for an
intercontinental ballistic missile that could potentially
deliver a nuclear warhead to the United States,
according to a U.S. think tank.
Source : Reuters
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