North Korea rejects denuclearization calls after NATO summit and says focus should be on U.S. allies

What prompted North Korea's statement?

The statement followed the NATO summit in Turkiye, where allies again called for North Korea's complete denuclearization and discussed closer cooperation with partners in the Asia-Pacific region kp.ru,Hindu,Московский ….

What does North Korea say should be denuclearized instead?

Pyongyang said denuclearization should apply first to what it described as Japan and South Korea's pursuit of nuclear capabilities under U.S. protection, and to NATO countries participating in the alliance's nuclear-sharing system tportal.hr,vesti.ru,РИА Новости.

What remains unresolved?

North Korea says its own denuclearization is no longer open for discussion, while NATO, the United States, Japan and South Korea continue to call for complete denuclearization of North Korea, leaving the central policy conflict unchanged kp.ru,РИА Новости,Economic Times.