North Korea Demands Recognition as Nuclear State

Pyongyang stresses that sanctions are "laughable" and that the United States should recognize the nation as a "legitimate nuclear weapon state."

A foreign ministry spokesman said "Obama is trying hard to deny North Korea's strategic position as a legitimate nuclear weapons state but it is as foolish an act as trying to eclipse the sun with a palm."

The North recently concluded its fifth and largest nuclear test. Pyongyang disclosed that it is the largest and most successful warhead launched so far.

Sources added that the nation mastered mounting the weapon on a ballistic missile.

The country's spokesman in defense added that North Korea would continue working to boost its nuclear power "in quality and un quantity."

"As we've made clear, measures to strengthen the national nuclear power in quality and quantity will continue to protect our digipnit and right to live from augmented threats of nuclear from the United States," said the ministry representative.

The Guardian quoted Jong Won-sop's statement, professor at the University of National Economy, stating "the enemies can no longer deny the strategic positiom of our country as a nuclear weapon state."

The report added that the latest nuclear test delighted the citizens of the North.

ABC also quoted Choe Kwang-Ho, a scientist from North Korea saying "the test demonstrated the dignity of the country guided by the iron-willed commander as well as the strength of the Korean people."

The fifth nuke test received condemnation worldwide.

The United Nations Security Council showed disapproval on North Korea's action. The U.S., France and Britain already worked on creating a body to throw new sanctions at the North.

North Korea policy special representative of the U.S. said that "we will be working very closely in the security council and beyond to come up with the strongest possible measure against North Korea's latest actions."