The North Korean Kim Yo Jonginfluential sister of leader Kim Jong-un, condemned a G7 call for the country’s denuclearization, classifying the request as a violation of the Constitution and an usurpation of sovereignty, state news agency KCNA reported on Thursday (18).
Kim stated that denuclearization is an “irreversibly closed agenda” that could never be achieved, and that nuclear possession is in North Korea’s fundamental interest and an irreversible line, according to the statement released by KCNA.
“Denuclearization is the line of no retreat that can never be crossed,” Kim said, according to the agency, adding that anyone who tried to harm one’s fundamental interests would be making “the worst possible choice of inviting disaster.”
Kim also asserted that North Korea’s nuclear weapons constitute a nuclear weapon acquired in response to what she called persistent nuclear threats from its enemies, and described them as a “cornerstone” to ensuring peace.
She stated that the arguments for denuclearization are “completely outdated” and will not change, no matter how much any group criticizes North Korea’s nuclear program.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday after the summit, G7 leaders expressed “deep concern” about North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s complete denuclearization in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The leaders also called on North Korea to resolve the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by Pyongyang and called for joint efforts to combat cryptocurrency thefts and cybercrimes committed by North Korea.
