North Korea to become nuclear weapons state: Former diplomat

The ultimate goal for North Korea is to become a nuclear weapons state, claims a former North Korean diplomat.

As reported by the Yonhap news agency on Monday, Thae Yong-ho a former London-based North Korean diplomat expressed doubts over the possibility of a complete denuclearization of North Korea.

While addressing a press conference, Thae said, "It is too early to predict (with one month left before the U.S.-North Korea summit), but I think the North will move toward sufficient, verifiable, irreversible dismantling, which is to sufficiently reduce threats from nuclear weapons, rather than seek complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement (CVID),"

He further claimed that North Korea wishes to become a nuclear weapons state under the shield of officially being recognised as a denuclearised state.

A move like denuclearisation would conflict the integral power structure of North Korea, Thae added.

He further quoted a recent statement by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un saying, "(nuclear weapons) are a treasured sword for protecting the peace. They are the strongest assurance that guarantees the most respected and happiest life on earth."

Thae emphasized that Kim would demand an assurance of safety against any attacks on North Korea by other countries in return of denuclearisation. Such an assurance is unlikely to be given by the nuclear-countries.

The security would also include an assurance for the continuance of the rule by Kim-II-sung family via succession.

Thae's remarks come in the backdrop of recent shut down of North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site following the announcement by South Korean presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.

North Korea has scheduled the dismantling of the nuclear site between May 23 and 25.