The statement said the DPRK's third underground nuclear test was a measure for self-defense to protect its sovereignty and the nation's dignity, adding:

The U.S. got UN Security Council to fabricate a "resolution on sanctions" charging the DPRK with the launch of satellite Kwangmyongsong 3-2, which touched off the Korean people's anger.

The DPRK regards the powerful nuclear deterrent as the only means for defending itself.

The statement expressed great concern that the war exercises may spill over into a war, but the U.S. and south Korea went ahead with the Foal Eagle joint war rehearsal.

This compelled the DPRK to declare that it would take strong countermeasures in succession to ensure the peace of the country.

The Korean people will win a victory in safeguarding the country's security and sovereignty and protecting peace in the Asian-Pacific region.