DPRK holds right to self-defense against US

UN General Assembly

DPRK Minister of Foreign Affairs Ri Yong HoDPRK Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Yong Ho

U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly amounts to a declaration of war and Pyongyang reserves the right to take measures against the U.S., the DPRK Minister of Foreign Affairs Ri Yong Ho said on Monday.

The official also warned that his country would shoot down U.S. strategic bombers even if they are not in the DPRK’s airspace as the fiery rhetoric between Washington and Pyongyang continues.

Ri made the remarks in New York where he is attending the 72nd session of the U.N. General Assembly.

The foreign minister opened his brief remarks in Korean by saying that over the last few days, the U.N. and the international community have clearly wished “that the war of words between the DPRK and the United States will not turn into real action.”

“The whole world should clearly remember it was the U.S. who first declared war on our country,” he added.

Ri referred to Trump’s tweet Saturday that said: “Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won’t be around much longer!”

Trump also used the derisive reference to Kim in his speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 19.

Story compiled with information from CGTN and The Associated Press.