Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Kim Says US Should Know North Korean Nuclear Force a Reality

Kim Says US Should Know  North Korean Nuclear Force a Reality

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Monday that the United States should be aware that his country's nuclear forces are now a reality, not a threat. But he also struck a conciliatory tone in his New Year's address, wishing success for the Winter Olympics set to begin in South Korea in February and suggesting the North may send a delegation to participate.
Kim, wearing a Western-style gray suit and tie, said in his customary annual address that his country had achieved the historic feat of "completing" its nuclear forces and added that he has a nuclear button on his desk.
"The U.S. should know that the button for nuclear weapons is on my table," he said during the speech, as provisionally translated by The Associated Press. The official transcript of his address was expected to be released later.
"The entire area of the U.S. mainland is within our nuclear strike range. ... The United States can never start a war against me and our country," Kim said.
He also called for improved relations with the South, an idea mentioned in speeches more often than it is met. He said the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics would be a good opportunity to showcase the status of the Korean nation.
He also said the two Koreas could meet urgently to discuss the North sending a delegation.
"The Winter Olympic games that will be held soon in the South will be a good opportunity to display the status of the Korean nation and we sincerely wish that the event will be held with good results," he said. (AP)