SEOUL , MAY 11 -
North Korea renewed a threat on Saturday to conduct a nuclear test amid
heightened concern that the reclusive state with a stockpile of
missiles may set off an atomic device for the fourth time on the path to
building a nuclear arsenal.
North Korea's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the country was
justified in using all available means at its disposal to counter
aggressive challenges by the United States and South Korea aimed at
stifling its sovereignty.
North Korea clarifies "its resolute stand that it would take
counter-measures including nuclear test to protect the sovereignty and
dignity," the newspaper said in a commentary carried by the official
KCNA news agency.
The threat comes days after statements by South Korea's defense
minister that preparations for a new test appear to be near completion
although analysis by an American think tank last week suggested a test
may not be imminent.
A U.S. official said the United States is "closely monitoring" the
situation on the Korean peninsula and urged North Korea to refrain from
actions that could threaten regional peace.
"The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the defense
of its allies and continues to coordinate closely with both the Republic
of Korea and Japan," National Security Council spokesman Patrick
Ventrell said in an emailed statement.
North Korea had stepped up the threat in March to show off its military
strength to counter what it said was hostility led by the United States
after the U.N. Security Council condemned Pyongyang's launch of
mid-range missiles into the sea.
"We would not rule out a new form of nuclear test for bolstering up our nuclear deterrence," it said in March.
North Korea is under heavy sanctions imposed by several U.N.
resolutions adopted beginning in 2006 but has defied pressure to abandon
its missile and nuclear programs. It last conducted a nuclear test in
February last year.
The impoverished state under young leader Kim Jong Un has channeled
resources into building a nuclear arsenal and is believed to be working
to miniaturize a warhead to mount on its long-range missiles to try to
strike the mainland United States.
But general consensus among experts and officials is that it is some time away from perfecting the technology.
North Korea has conducted engine tests for an intercontinental
ballistic missile that could potentially deliver a nuclear warhead to
the United States, according to a U.S. think tank.
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