KIM POSSESSES 2000 KG OF URANIUM, CALLS NUCLEAR PROGRAMME A TOP PRIORITY

KIM POSSESSES 2000 KG OF URANIUM, CALLS NUCLEAR PROGRAMME A TOP PRIORITY

27-SEP-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI--------------------------While the world awaits nuclear disarmament, a leader declares his nuclear program a "top priority" for the country's security. This statement comes from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. After US President Donald Trump's administration reiterated its demand for North Korea's "complete" denuclearization, Kim Jong-un held a crucial meeting with his nuclear scientists. In this meeting, he made clear that his stance on ensuring security through nuclear force is "unwavering," which could further escalate tensions and diplomatic deadlock on the Korean Peninsula. Unwavering stance and top priority North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with nuclear scientists and technicians on Friday, where he described the preparation of nuclear capability as an "irrevocable duty" for the country's security. He stressed that the only rationale for ensuring the country's security and peace is "powerful deterrence," the foundation of which is nuclear force. According to Kim, this is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s unwavering stance. He also described continued preparation for nuclear retaliation as a "necessary top-priority" task. Calling to Strengthen the "Nuclear Shield and Sword," Kim Jong-un called for continuously sharpening and renewing the "nuclear shield and sword" to firmly defend the country's sovereignty and interests. This call demonstrates North Korea's view of nuclear power as a central pillar of both its defensive and offensive capabilities. Hong Sung-moo, a senior party official considered the key strategist of the nuclear program, also attended the meeting, underscoring the seriousness of the issue. Satisfaction with the Success of "Two Important Tasks" According to North Korea's state media, KCNA, Kim expressed satisfaction that "the key links" for developing the country's nuclear capability to a high level have been completely resolved. He stated that officials at the Nuclear Weapons Institute and the nuclear materials production sector have successfully completed "two tasks" related to a new key nuclear strategy. While no details about these two specific tasks were publicly disclosed, they indicate North Korea's continued technological advancement. Amid North Korea's stance, South Korea's Unification Minister, Chung Dong-young, made a significant claim, citing expert assessments. He stated that North Korea may possess an estimated 2,000 kilograms of highly enriched uranium. The minister also stated that North Korea is believed to be operating uranium centrifuges in at least four different locations to accumulate nuclear material. This massive stockpile poses a serious challenge to the region's security. In a recent speech to his country's parliament, Kim Jong-un also hinted at a diplomatic option, but with a strict condition. He stated that North Korea is ready to negotiate with the United States, provided Washington drops its demand for disarmament. He also made it clear that North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons. He stressed that its "irrevocable" status as a nuclear-armed nation is now enshrined in the country's constitution.