Pyongyang denies intention to conduct nuclear test

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had no plan to conduct nuclear tests alongside its peaceful satellite development program, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

The ministry was responding to a declaration by the recent Group of Eight (G8) summit in the United States, which the DPRK said violated its rights to launch satellites and develop nuclear deterrence for self defense.

The declaration urged Pyongyang to comply with its international obligations, and abandon all nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a "complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner."

A ministry spokesman said in the statement the DPRK only planned to develop satellite technology for peaceful use and had no intention of carrying out nuclear tests or any other military actions.

The nuclear test allegations fabricated by the United States and other powers only revealed their continued hostile policy toward the DPRK, he said.

The "window still exists" to solve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through negotiation if the United States shows its willingness to abandon its hostile policy toward Pyongyang first, the spokesman said.

The DPRK launched its planned "earth observation" satellite on April 13, using a long-range rocket, in a bid to mark the 100th birthday of its late leader Kim Il-Sung, but confirmed later the satellite failed to enter orbit.

Following the launch, which drew condemnation from the UN Security Council, the United States announced it canceled a food aid deal with the DPRK, accusing Pyongyang of using the satellite launch as a cover for a long-range ballistic missile test.

Glyn Davies, US special representative on the DPRK, said after meeting with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts Monday, "it is very important that the DPRK not miscalculate again and engage in any future provocation".

Some experts and government officials have said the DPRK appears to be ready to conduct a third nuclear test and is only awaiting a political decision.

Its previous two satellite launches, in 2006 and 2009, were followed by nuclear tests.