North Korea says it has destroyed its nuclear test site in a burst of fire and hopes for the future. The government of Kim Jong Un brought international journalists to a series of explosions at its Punggye-ri site in the mountainous north of the country, where it has previously tested the nuclear weapons that have made it an international pariah.

The destruction included two tunnels, a barracks and observation towers, according to South Korea's Yonhap, which said that American British, Chinese and Russian journalists were all invited. Kim has announced that his nuclear and missile programs have been a success, and earlier announced the destruction of the site as he entered into talks with both his neighbors in South Korea and the U.S.

Many observers viewed it as a good sign ahead of a potential meeting with President Trump, which is tentatively scheduled for June 12 but recently come into doubt.

However, North Korea did not invite international inspectors to the demolition of the place that has been an important component of its seven nuclear tests.

Aliqismet BADALOV,

“Khalq qazeti”