The U.S. imperialists, the sworn enemy of the Korean people, have long enforced the hostile policy towards the DPRK, the statement said.

They have posed military threats and imposed sanctions on the DPRK in order to pull down the people-centered socialism based on the Juche idea, it noted.

They should discontinue the nuclear threat and lift sanctions against the DPRK, stop the war drills for aggression and withdraw their forces from south Korea, it stressed.

The DPRK's nuclear deterrence is neither a bargaining chip for improving the relations with the U.S. nor a means which exists only when the U.S. recognizes it, the statement said.

The DPRK has made patient efforts for the peaceful environment on the Korean peninsula, but the U.S. and the south Korean authorities continue escalating tensions, it noted, adding:

All the measures taken by the DPRK are the exercise of its independent right.

We strongly demand the U.S. immediately roll back its hostile policy towards the DPRK.