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(LEAD) N.K. leader warns Trump of 'highest level' of actions over his U.N. speech

All News 07:42 September 22, 2017

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SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to take the "highest level" of strong actions in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's warning of total destruction of Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile programs, the North's state media said Friday.

In a rare statement issued by Kim, he condemned Trump for making "eccentric words" that insulted him and his country at the U.N. General Assembly, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

In an address to the U.N. on Tuesday, Trump said that he could "totally destroy" the regime in the face of its nuclear and ballistic missile threats. He called Kim a leader on a "suicide mission" for his "depraved" nation.

As Trump insulted North Korea and made a declaration of war, "we will consider with seriousness exercising of a corresponding, highest level of hard-line countermeasure in history," the English-language statement read.

"Whatever Trump might have expected, he will face results beyond his expectation. I will surely and definitely tame the mentally deranged U.S. dotard with fire," he said.

Tensions have risen amid North Korea's continued provocations, including its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3, in defiance of international condemnation.

The U.N. Security Council slapped new tougher sanctions on Pyongyang last week that include a freeze on North Korea's oil imports at the current level and a ban on its textile exports.

North Korea condemned the fresh sanctions last week, vowing to strengthen its nuclear program at a faster pace.

sooyeon@yna.co.kr
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