Meanwhile, North Korea's parliament, in its annual one-day session on Monday, reaffirmed a commitment to developing nuclear weapons, further rocket launches and the country's existing economic model despite the return of Pak Pong Ju, an official considered an economic reformer, to the post of premier.

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For instance, Pak Pong-ju, who served as premier and was responsible for the limited economic reforms of a decade ago, has been named head of light industry development.

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