North Korea Declares It Is Not Bound by Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

North Korea announced it is not bound by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, claiming its nuclear weapons represent legitimate ownership. The declaration came as the 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was taking place at United Nations headquarters. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, signed in 1968, aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation and eventual disarmament. North Korea originally signed the treaty in 1985 but withdrew in 2003 amid international disputes over its nuclear program, becoming the only country to ever leave the agreement.