North Korea Rejects IAEA Calls, Says Nuclear Status Is Permanent

North Korea has rejected fresh international calls to give up its nuclear weapons, with Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, criticizing discussions at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference.

She said Pyongyang would not change its position on its nuclear programme.

Kim Yo Jong called the discussions at the IAEA meeting “silly talk” and said North Korea’s status as a nuclear weapons state was permanent.

Her comments, carried by state media KCNA, came as the IAEA’s annual conference in Vienna discussed North Korea’s nuclear programme and renewed calls for denuclearization.

• North Korea rejects IAEA calls for denuclearization and defends nuclear status
• Kim Yo Jong says North Korea will not abandon its nuclear weapons programme
• IAEA raises concerns as North Korea continues developing nuclear capabilities

North Korea Pushes Back Against IAEA Calls

Kim Yo Jong said North Korea would not give up its nuclear weapons and rejected efforts to make denuclearization a condition for future engagement. Her comments reflect Pyongyang’s long-standing position that its nuclear capabilities are necessary for the country’s security.

The IAEA has continued to express concern about North Korea’s nuclear programme. The agency has called on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons programme in a complete and verifiable manner and return to its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The agency has also reported signs of continued activity at North Korea’s nuclear facilities. Recent assessments have pointed to activity at important sites and possible expansion of the country’s uranium enrichment capabilities.

North Korea has rejected international demands to dismantle its nuclear programme for years. Pyongyang has formally described itself as a nuclear weapons state and has continued to develop both nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology despite international sanctions.

Kim Jong Un has also made clear that his government intends to maintain its nuclear capabilities. In June, he said North Korea would continue to exercise its position as a nuclear state and linked the expansion of its nuclear forces to the country’s national security concerns.

Nuclear Programme Remains Key to Pyongyang’s Policy

Kim Yo Jong’s latest remarks show that nuclear weapons remain at the centre of North Korea’s security policy. She has regularly issued statements on foreign affairs and security matters, particularly on relations with the United States and South Korea.

North Korea has been under international sanctions since 2006 because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. United Nations measures have restricted the country’s development of nuclear weapons and missile technology.

Several rounds of diplomacy have attempted to address the issue. Talks involving North Korea, the United States, South Korea and China have produced periods of engagement but have not resulted in an agreement for Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear arsenal.

Relations in the region have also been affected by North Korea’s growing ties with Russia. Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened their cooperation in recent years, creating closer strategic links between the two countries.

For the IAEA and countries seeking the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, North Korea’s latest statement underlines the difficulty of restarting negotiations. The agency continues to follow developments at North Korea’s nuclear facilities, although international inspectors have not been able to return to the country.

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The latest comments therefore reinforce the wide gap between the international community’s demand for denuclearization and North Korea’s insistence that its nuclear status will not change. With Pyongyang continuing to develop its nuclear and military capabilities, the issue remains a major challenge for efforts to improve security in East Asia.