North Korea Says Nuclear Weapons Will Stay ‘Forever’

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Seoul: North Korea reaffirmed that it will keep its nuclear weapons indefinitely, with Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui proclaiming the country's nuclear status as ‘irreversible’ and ‘forever.’

Choe made the remarks on Thursday in a statement released by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), following recent diplomatic meetings including South Korea, the United States, and Japan. The three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and urged Pyongyang to resume conversation.

Choe rejected the calls, stating that North Korea's commitment to keep its nuclear arsenal will not alter. She also defined the country's nuclear weapons position as everlasting, notwithstanding international pressure.

The remarks comes a day after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told the United Nations General Assembly that Seoul intended to prevent further development of North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities and eventually work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. Lee has supported a phased approach, beginning with a halt to weapons development, followed by reductions and eventual dismantling in exchange for political and economic incentives.

North Korea's latest claim comes amid ongoing tensions over its nuclear and missile programs. Earlier this month, Pyongyang rejected the International Atomic Energy Agency's assessment and reiterated its nuclear status as irreversible.