N.K. Leader's Sister Dismisses IAEA's Denuclearization Calls

Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has dismissed the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) calls for denuclearization as mere 'noise.' In a statement released by the Korean Central News Agency, she emphasized that North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state is 'absolute.'

The remarks come during the IAEA's 70th General Conference in Vienna, where concerns about North Korea's expanding nuclear capabilities were raised. The agency has urged Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program in a manner that is complete, verifiable, and irreversible, in accordance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Kim Yo-jong stated, 'No matter how desperately the IAEA and the West may hold periodic meetings, they cannot affect the will of the DPRK to defend its supreme interests.' She further asserted that North Korea's nuclear position is legally and physically settled and cannot be reversed.

A South Korean unification ministry official noted that Kim's comments seem to signal a clear message to the United States that denuclearization discussions are off the table for any potential summit. This development comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly regarding North Korea's weapons programs and security issues.

In response to recent U.S.-South Korea discussions on countering North Korean weapons of mass destruction, a North Korean defense ministry spokesperson condemned the talks, indicating the regime's continued focus on its military capabilities.