North Korea proclaims itself a nuclear state in new constitution

North Korean soldiers salute during a military parade to mark 100 years since the birth of the country's founder Kim Il-Sung on April 15.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• North Korea proclaimed itself a "nuclear state" in a revised constitution this week


• Analyst: Appears to be directed at the U.S. as the rhetoric from Pyongyang rises


• Comes as signs are growing of activity at North Korea's nuclear test site

Seoul (CNN) -- North Korea proclaimed itself a "nuclear state" this week following a revision of its constitution earlier this year.

Kim Jong-Il has "transferred the country into an undefeated country with strong political ideology, a nuclear power state, and invincible military power," according to the updated constitution posted on its portal website Naenara. The website posted the revised constitution on Wednesday, according to Yonhap, the South Korean state affiliated news agency.

North Korea ready to carry out nuclear test at any moment, Seoul says

The statement looks all too familiar.

North Korea previously announced its nuclear capability through its state-run broadcaster and newspapers, "but no expression can be stronger than including it in their constitution," Professor Choi Jong Kun of Yonsei University told CNN.

"It is an announcement of confirmation," he added, "and it appears to be directed to the U.S. and other relevant nations."

The communist state carried out nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009.

Signs of new activity at North Korea's nuclear test site

Pyongyang recently announced that it will press on with its nuclear program in response to what it calls "hostility from the United States."

A defense publication, IHS Janes, also said it detected signs of activities ramping up at North Korea's nuclear test site, raising speculation Pyongyang may be preparing for a third nuclear test.

Source & Image : CNN World