Citing irregularities from US, North Korea halts denuclearisation programme

According to North Korea's local news outlet Korean Central News Agency, Pyongyang expressed displeasure at some US officials trying to strengthen sanctions against the Asian regime.

The outlet quoted a foreign ministry spokesperson as saying: "As long as the U.S. denies even the basic decorum for its dialogue partner and clings to the outdated acting script which the previous administrations have all tried and failed, one cannot expect any progress in the implementation."

Sending a warning, the spokesperson, who requested anonymity, said that the hard won peace in the Korean Peninsula may be affected as a result of US' meddling.

However, the spokesperson said that North Korea will remain steadfast in its commitment.

"The U.S. should, even at this belated time, respond to our sincere efforts in a corresponding manner," the outlet quoted the official as saying.

Meanwhile, the new development is in contradiction to US President Donald Trump's optimism, where he had cited great progress a few weeks ago.

In recent weeks, Trump has showered lavish praises on Kim, calling him 'kind' for returning the remains of US soldiers killed in the Korean War.

He also said that he's not going to rush North Korea in giving up its nuclear programme and said that the latter can take its time.

Earlier this month, days after US spy agencies told The Washington Post about North Korea's ongoing nuclear activity, a United Nations report had confirmed the same.

According to the international body, Pyongyang had not stopped its nuclear programme and had actually increased its illegal ship-to-ship transfer of petroleum products.

"[North Korea] has not stopped its nuclear and missile programmes and continued to defy Security Council resolutions through a massive increase in illicit ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products, as well as through transfers of coal at sea during 2018," the UN report tabled by observers said.

It said that Pyongyang tried to sell light weapons to African countries such as Libya and Sudan.

"[North Korea] attempted to supply small arms and lights weapons and other military equipment via foreign intermediaries to Libya, Yemen and Sudan," it said.

The UN report said that the following activities have also lightened the financial sanctions slapped against the Asian regime by the international body.

Meanwhile, experts have said that North Korea may not give up its nuclear programme by buckling under US pressure, as it has already achieved its goal of normalising its relation with America.