North Korea today used Japanese publication Chosun Shinbo to warn that it could test another nuclear device if the international community responds to the launch of ‘Gwangmyungsung 3’ by imposing new sanctions.

The publication of the pro-North Korea General Association of North Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), Chosun Shinbo released the piece entitled, ‘Strong Response to Provocation.’ In it, it asserted that “The U.S., which is trying to pick a fight over ‘Gwangmyungsung 3’, is trying to incite the clock to turn back to ‘after April’.”

“In May of 2009, our Republic carried out a second nuclear test in a self-defense response to UN Security Council sanctions,” it went on to recall.

In April, 2009, the UN Security Council released a President’s Statement condemning the launch of the long-range rocket which North Korea claims was carrying its second satellite, ‘Gwangmyunsung 2’. In response, Pyongyang immediately expelled nuclear inspectors, announced to the IAEA that it would restart its nuclear program and left the Six-Party Talks. Its second nuclear test followed little more than a month later.

Trying to shift blame towards Washington, the piece then went on to reassert the claim that the U.S. is in violation of the ‘Leap Day Agreement’, saying, “Chosun has clearly indicated that stopping the food aid that is part of the 2.29 Agreement is a clear violation of the core of the agreement. If the Chosun-U.S. agreement is retracted then the commitment to temporarily suspend nuclear testing, uranium enrichment and long-range missile launches can be canceled, too.”

Turning to domestic Japanese affairs, the piece warned also, “Three years ago when Japan quarreled with the launch of Gwangmyungsung 2 and talked of interception, Supreme Commander Kim Jong Eun was the man commanding the land, sea and air forces as ‘Counterattack Commander. He has decided that if the enemy steps forward to try and intercept, then there really will be war.”

“Chosun has thoroughly prepared this satellite launch plan in accordance with the timetable for the construction of the strong state. Some countries are urging restraint; however, Chosun has never withdrawn a plan connected with its independence that it has already announced,” it concluded,