North Korea has since time immemorial defied outside governments and carried out several missile tests despite numerous economic sanctions by the international community. In a recently concluded North Korea congress, a first for its ruling Workers’ Party in 36 years, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will not use its nuclear weapons first unless its sovereignty is invaded.
Kim also said he is ready to improve ties with ‘hostile’ nations in a diplomatic overture in the face of international pressure over its recent nuclear test and long-range rocket launch. He also called for more talks with rival South Korea to reduce misunderstanding and distrust between them and urged the United States to stay away from inter-Korean issues, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
But if history is any indicator, then its highly unlikely that the communist country will adhere to the guidelines laid down by the UNSC and continue to play hide and seek with its missile program.
A look at some key developments in North Korea’s nuclear weapons and long-range missile programs.
(With inputs from AP)