N. Korean FM reaffirms 'steadfast will' for nuclear possession

North Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its nuclear weapons program, rejecting renewed calls for denuclearization from the Group of Seven nations.

According to the Korean Central News Agency on Thursday, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said Pyongyang "strongly condemns and rejects" the G7's criticism of its nuclear weapons program and described its nuclear status as an exercise of sovereign rights in a statement

Choe stressed that the Korean Peninsula's security situation, particularly North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state, should not be subject to debate by Western countries.

She accused the United States and Britain of threatening global security through the proliferation of military nuclear technology, while also criticizing Japan for allegedly pursuing nuclear armament ambitions.

Choe argued that North Korea's nuclear arsenal was consistent with its right to self-defense under the UN Charter, calling it the country's "most powerful guarantee" of national sovereignty.

Her remarks followed the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in France, where participating countries reiterated their opposition to North Korea's nuclear weapons program and called for its complete denuclearization.

Dismissing the demand as unrealistic, Choe accused the G7 of applying double standards and pursuing policies that undermine regional and global security.

"The only way for ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is to respect the constitutional position of the DPRK, rather than advocate the 'denuclearization' which is impossible theoretically and practically," she said, referring to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name.

"Denial of reality only means an admission of failure."