Kim Jong Un spearheaded nuclear testing...

North Korea says its new leader Kim Jong Un spearheaded nuclear testing, as well as long-range missile tests, before emerging as the heir apparent of his late father Kim Jong Il 2 years ago.

North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Unification of Korea made a statement on Friday. It described the young Kim as fully equipped with the qualities of an extraordinary general even in his late teens at Kim Il Sung Military University.

This was the first time that North Korea has referred to the new leader's involvement in nuclear testing.

North Korea conducted underground nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009. Last month, after the death of Kim Jong Il, the country stressed it will continue its nuclear development program, saying that nuclear deterrence is a revolutionary inheritance.

North Korea apparently aims to use the statement to show that Kim Jong Un inherits military-led rule promoted by his late father and to deflect criticism that the young Kim is inexperienced.
(Japan Broadcasting Corporation, 2012-01-21)