North Korean Leader: America Should Accept That We Are a Nuclear Power and Not a Threat

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, in a New Year's message, stated that the United States must accept the reality of North Korea's nuclear power and recognize that they are a nuclear power, not a threat. On Monday, in his message, he moved away from a warning tone and wished success for the Winter Olympics to be held next month in South Korea. Kim Jong Un also announced that North Korea might send a team of participants to these games. In his annual New Year's message, he also mentioned that North Korea made historic progress in developing its nuclear program over the past year. He revealed that a button for launching nuclear weapons is installed on his desk. The North Korean leader stated, 'The U.S. should know that the button for launching nuclear weapons is on my desk.' He added, 'All of the U.S. territory is within reach of a nuclear attack... The U.S. can never start a war against me and my country.' In an unexpected move, he called for better relations with South Korea, stating that the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang would be a suitable opportunity to showcase the status of the Korean nation and hoped for good results from the games. Kim Jong Un said that North and South Korea should meet quickly and pursue sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics. Following Kim Jong Un's message, the South Korean presidential office announced its welcome for the proposal of dialogue between the officials of the two Koreas regarding sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics. The South Korean presidential office also added that hosting the Pyeongchang games would contribute not only to peace and harmony on the Korean Peninsula but also in Northeast Asia and the entire world. Kim Jong Un also referred to North Korea's economic achievements in his annual message and the need to improve the living standards of North Korean citizens. Last year, North Korea faced the most serious tensions with the U.S. As a result of North Korea's missile tests, the UN Security Council intensified sanctions against the country. North Korea claims that the sanctions and military exercises by the U.S. and its regional allies are aimed at overthrowing the ruling regime or violating its territorial integrity. Washington and its allies argue that the exercises are defensive and conducted to prepare for military threats from Pyongyang. The U.S. State Department has emphasized that it is still seeking a diplomatic solution to end North Korea's nuclear military activities.