Seoul, June 18: In a strong reaction to the issues raised by G7 leaders, Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, criticized international calls for nuclear disarmament on Thursday. She stated that the country’s nuclear weapons are integral to its “core interests.”
According to a report by Yonhap News Agency, a statement released by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA targeted the United States and its allies. Kim Yo-jong remarked that demanding North Korea to relinquish its nuclear arsenal is “outdated thinking.” Her comments came in response to a joint statement issued by G7 leaders.
During the summit held from Monday to Wednesday, G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea’s “complete nuclear disarmament” in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Rejecting the G7’s demands outright, Kim Yo-jong declared that the issue of nuclear disarmament is permanently off the table and cannot be implemented.
She asserted, “Nuclear weapons are a powerful means of protecting our sovereignty and the cornerstone of ensuring peace. This is also enshrined in the laws of the DPRK.”
Kim Yo-jong claimed that North Korea’s nuclear program is solely for self-defense.
She warned that anyone attempting to undermine the core interests of a nuclear-armed nation would invite significant trouble upon themselves.
Leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Italy convened in Évian, France, from Monday to Wednesday. Following their meeting, they issued a joint statement addressing geopolitical issues related to the Indo-Pacific region, the Middle East, and Ukraine.
The statement expressed, “We are deeply concerned about North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. We reaffirm our commitment to North Korea’s complete nuclear disarmament in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
The G7 leaders also demanded that North Korea address the issue of abducted individuals, believed to have been taken during the 1970s and 1980s.
Additionally, they emphasized the need to work together to tackle North Korea’s alleged cryptocurrency theft and cybercrimes.
Leave a Comment