Kim Yo-jong, the Director of the General Affairs Department of North Korea's Workers' Party, has categorically rejected the G7's demand for the complete denuclearization of North Korea, labeling it an "overreach." She reaffirmed the regime's commitment to maintaining its nuclear capabilities.
In a statement released on June 18 through the Korean Central News Agency, Kim criticized the G7's call for denuclearization as a "direct infringement of North Korea's constitution and an overreach," expressing strong dissatisfaction and condemning it in the clearest terms.
She accused the G7 of being a "main culprit" that undermines global peace and security and the international non-proliferation regime, asserting that they have no right to discuss or challenge North Korea's sovereign choices.
Kim emphasized that denuclearization is a matter that has already been conclusively settled. She stated, "There is nothing more foolish than sitting idle in the face of military threats accompanied by nuclear weapons," adding that the nuclear arsenal acquired by North Korea is a defensive measure to protect itself from constant nuclear threats from adversaries.
She further declared, "Nuclear weapons are a means of safeguarding the sovereignty granted by the Republic's laws and a cornerstone of peace," insisting that maintaining nuclear capabilities is a core interest that must be upheld, while denuclearization is an unyielding line that cannot be crossed.
Earlier, on June 17, G7 leaders gathered in Évian-les-Bains, France, adopted a joint declaration expressing deep concern over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The leaders urged that North Korea's complete denuclearization must be realized in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, with the leaders of invited countries, including South Korea, agreeing and signing onto the declaration.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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