The Ministry of Unification has evaluated Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui’s statement, which criticized the G7’s denuclearization declaration, as a relatively measured message for both domestic and international audiences.
During a regular press briefing at the Government Seoul Complex on Friday, Deputy Spokesperson Jang Yoon Jeong said that Minister Choe Son Hui’s statement, published in both Rodong Sinmun and the Korean Central News Agency, used comparatively restrained language. She explained that the ministry viewed it as a message reaffirming and underscoring North Korea’s existing position on its nuclear capabilities.
Deputy Spokesperson Jang added that although Choe had used the phrase “strongly condemn,” the ministry considered the overall tone restrained due to the diplomatic language employed. She also noted that the content did not diverge meaningfully from North Korea’s previously stated positions and claims.
In a statement carried by Rodong Sinmun, Minister Choe was reported to have vehemently opposed the G7 foreign ministers’ joint declaration, which called for the complete denuclearization of their countries, characterizing it as a direct infringement on North Korea’s constitution.
She also reportedly described the G7’s declaration as a blatant hostile act, arguing that no country has the right to impose demands that North Korea deems unconstitutional.
Choe further argued that peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the Asia-Pacific region depends not on what she views as unrealistic calls for denuclearization but on respecting North Korea’s constitutional integrity, reaffirming Pyongyang’s stance rejecting the premise of denuclearization discussions.
