North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un issued a New Year speech on Wednesday that focused, among other things, on international relations as well as improving relations between North and South Korea. At the same time Kim touched on the possibility of a "deadly" nuclear standoff against the United States and South Korea, should the North be provoked.

In Wednesday's speech Kim reached out to the international community while, in his words, holding on to the ideals of North Korean foreign policy. That policy is based upon independence, peace and friendship.

Kim promised that in 2014 his government will strive to expand relations of friendship and cooperation with all countries that respect North Korea's sovereignty and safeguard global peace while promoting the prosperity of mankind.

"We will join hands with anyone who opts to give priority to the nation and wishes for its reunification, regardless of his or her past and [will] continue to strive for better inter-Korean relations," Kim said.

He went on to suggest that a favorable climate be established between North and South Korea, saying that "it is high time to put an end to such slander and calamity that brings no good to both sides,"

According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, the two Koreas remain "technically" at war under a truce that brought an end to the 1950-1953 Korean War. The United States maintains a total of 28,500 troops in South Korea, reportedly in joint defense against North Korea.

PressTV reports that the Korean Peninsula has been ensconced recently in a cycle of military rhetoric, with the United States and South Korea holding joint military exercises over the past few months.

Additionally, it's been reported that the United States military occasionally deploys nuclear-powered warships and aircraft in the region, allegedly capable of carrying atomic weapons. Perhaps in response to this, Kim noted in his speech that he, and those in his country, will not just "sit back with folded arms and see the dark clouds of a nuclear war against us hovering over the Korean peninsula."

Kim says that he and his followers will defend the sovereignty and peace of North Korea and the dignity of the nation by relying on its "powerful self-defense and strength."

According to PressTV, North Korea says it is developing a nuclear arsenal in an effort to "protect itself" from U.S. military.

Kim maintains that the U.S. and South Korean "war maniacs" have deployed equipment for a nuclear war and "are going frantic" in their military exercises for a nuclear war against the North.

"[These actions] precipitate a situation where any accidental military skirmish may lead to an all-out war," Kim said. "Should war break out it will result in a deadly nuclear catastrophe and the United States will not be safe."

---
For the latest news & updates, follow Bary Alyssa Johnson on Twitter: @MissBary