Along with attempting to defend itself, North Korea is seeking respect.

In 1985, North Korea acceded to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but in 2003, it tested a nuclear device, thus violating the treaty. They it joined the list of international member states declaring it possesses nuclear weapons.

The North Koreans accurately believed that once they had achieved this status, they became a nation that could not be attacked without serious consideration for the fallout.

But, beyond this, their goal has been to demand respect for attaining membership in the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the international member states including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China.

Until they are recognized as such, they will continue the research and testing of their defensive nuclear missile project.

On Feb. 10, 2005, according to Wikipedia, “North Korea publicly declared that it possessed nuclear weapons and pulled out of the six-party talks, hosted by China, to find a diplomatic solution to the issue. ‘We had already taken the resolute action of pulling out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and have manufactured nuclear arms for self-defense to cope with the Bush administration’s evermore undisguised policy to isolate and stifle the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea),’ a North Korean foreign ministry statement said regarding the issue.

“Six-party talks resumed in July 2005.”

North Korea, like Israel, has suffered a history of surrounding hostility, which has required a deterrent capability.

But unlike Israel, the North Koreans have not tried to hide their nuclear deterrent.


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