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An official directs traffic in North Korea's capital Pyongyang on December 21. US President George W Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao discussed over telephone how to restart North Korea nuclear talks.

Photo: WANG TAE-SUK-POOL/Getty Images

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North Korea has nukes

North Korea admitted on April 24 that it possessed an unspecified number of nuclear weapons. The admission came during talks between US, North Korean, and Chinese officials in Beijing that were apparently aimed at convincing Pyongyang to end its nuclear weapons program. It was in October 2002 when it was revealed that North Korea has nuclear weapons.

After expelling UN nuclear inspectors and pulling out of the non-proliferation treaty, North Korea accused Washington of planning an attack on the country. It also demanded direct talks with Washington, a non-aggression pact, and huge economic assistance. But the US, which lists the nation as a part of the 'axis of evil,' insists that the nuclear programme must end before any deal is made.

Pyongang has now pledged to strengthen its nuclear 'deterrent force' to counter US plans to develop smaller nuclear weapons capable of destroying underground bunkers.

Text: Ramananda Sengupta

North Korea admits to having nukes
'Be sincere in talks with North Korea'

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