Earlier, Pyongyang proposed stopping its nuclear test if the USA and South Korea cancel their joint military exercises.
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“Our capability to make nuclear attacks will make fast advancement every time enemies conduct war exercises”, the regime’s official news agency reported, citing an unidentified spokesman at its foreign ministry.
North Korean authorities said Kim Dong Chul, 62, was stealing valuable information including military secrets and giving them to South Korea.
North Korea is preparing to hold a once-in-a-generation congress of its ruling party that is meant to rally the nation behind leader Kim Jong Un and could provide an important glimpse into Kim’s plans for the country’s economy and military.
Around a decade ago, when Pyongyang conducted its first nuclear test, American soldiers accused North Korea’s military of spitting across the demarcation line and “pulling the fingers”.
They could include a nuclear test and at least one medium-range ballistic missile launch, according to a ministry briefing.
Seoul has suspended nearly all inter-Korean civilian exchanges and not allowed South Koreans to visit North Korea.
Rather than heeding strengthened United Nations sanctions and resolutions barring such tests, North Korea appears to be placing more of a priority on making a political statement during the Workers’ Party congress from this Friday.
Tensions between North and South have accelerated with Pyongyang’s continued pursuit of weapons development – and frequent launches of ballistic missiles.
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Defense Minister Han Min-koo assured lawmakers that Seoul possesses credible deterrent against a possible N. Korean nuclear test. He vowed to counter North Korea’s provocations by joining hands with Seoul’s allies. At the last congress former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un’s father, was confirmed as the country’s leader. Park said he knew Kim often went to North Korea. The congress is expected to last several days. “This power of unity we have is the real source of power that leads our country into victory”.
