SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Yonhap) -- North Korea may conduct another nuclear or missile test going forward as it aims to advance its defense capabilities through nuclear armament, Seoul's defense ministry said Monday.
In a parliamentary session, the ministry presented its analysis to lawmakers based on its assessment of the North's statement released in the wake of its latest missile launch on Friday.
"North Korea flaunted having neared the final stage of securing intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology and how it has accomplished the skills for and weaponization of the intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)," it told the parliament.
The ministry clarified its initial report that was written somewhat misleadingly as if it was the ministry's conclusion that the North has almost reached the last stage for the ICBM technology.
"We have made no such assessment, but it's our interpretation of what the North has tried to assert by making such a claim," the ministry said.
"(The North) will continue such provocations as additional nuclear tests and missile launches to secure its nuclear capabilities. ... The Punggye-ri nuclear test site remains ready for a (new) test," it added.
Read the full story at YonhapNews