North Korea threatens to resume the development of nuclear weapons following sanctions

North Korea warned that it could revive a state policy aimed at strengthening its nuclear arsenal if the United States did not lift economic sanctions against the country.

The statement issued Friday night by the Foreign Ministry inscribed in a climate of discomfort between Washington and Seoul against the use of sanctions and pressure for the North to give up its nuclear program.

The ministry said the North could resume its "pyongjin" policy of simultaneously advancing its nuclear force and economic development if the United States does not change its position.

South Korea last month rejected the proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions against North Korea to create a diplomatic space following President Donald Trump's response that Seoul could "do nothing" without Washington approval.