All eyes on Jong-un’s ‘new way’ in speech

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for “offensive measures” to strengthen security ahead of a New Year speech that could flesh out the nuclear-armed nation’s threat to seek a “new way” forward after the expiration of its deadline for US sanctions relief.

Kim’s latest comments, made during a meeting of top ruling party officials in Pyongyang, came amid concerns that the North could formally close down dialogue with Washington and resume nuclear and long-range missile tests.

Addressing the officials, Kim stressed the need “to take positive and offensive measures for fully ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country”, the state news agency KCNA reported yesterday.

Nuclear talks between the North and the US have been stalled since the collapse of a February summit.

Pyongyang has been demanding the easing of sanctions imposed over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, while Washington is insisting it takes more tangible steps towards giving them up.

The North has not so far specified the “new way” it would adopt if the US does not offer fresh concessions by the end of the year, and Kim is expected to make it clearer tomorrow. — AFP