N. Korea wants nuclear status

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- North Korea may want normal relations with other countries, but South Korea's top military official says it also wants recognition as a nuclear weapons state.

"It is our assessment that North Korea has not altered its strategic goal of simultaneously securing the status of a nuclear state and the stability of its regime through the normalization of North-U.S. relations," Lee Sang-eui, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a forum in Seoul, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee's assessment comes following last week's visit to North Korea by U.S. Special Representative Stephen Bosworth to persuade it to resume the stalled the six-nation talks on its denuclearization.

South Korean officials say North Korea wants to secure its regime by forging a peace treaty with the United States, which has refused to recognize Pyongyang's nuclear status despite its two nuclear tests since 2006, the report said.

The six-nation negotiations require the North to dismantle its nuclear programs in return for massive economic aid. Only then can there be any peace deal.

"Through the reinforcement of its nuclear capabilities, North Korea is strengthening its bargaining power against the U.S. and pursuing direct talks," Lee said.

"It is our projection that (North Korean leader) Kim (Jong Il) will continue to tighten his control and pursue improved ties with the U.S. as well as a softening of sanctions for economic gains," he said.