Seoul  - North Korea stepped up threats over its controversial nuclear weapons programme Tuesday, saying it would use nuclear weapons if provoked.

In a commentary released by the state-run Minju Choson newspaper, North Korea raised tensions again in what is widely regarded as an attempt to stave off international punishment for its May 25 nuclear test.

North Korea's nuclear deterrent was a "powerful defensive measure to secure the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and nearby regions," the commentary said.

"It will become a vehicle for merciless attacks on those who even slightly infringe upon our sovereignty," it added.

Observers in South Korea regard the commentary a reminder of Pyongyang's threats to take "defensive measures" in case the international community meted out punishment against the Stalinist state.

According to the South Korean Yonhap news agency it is the first time that North Korea referred to its nuclear arsenal for use in a military offensive.

The United Nations Security Council in New York is debating a resolution tightening the sanctions against North Korea. Already after Pyongyang's first nuclear test in October 2007 the body passed a series of sanctions against the country.

Wi Sung Lac, a South Korean negotiator in international talks on the North's nuclear weapons programme, said the Security Council members were about to reach agreement on a resolution. He expected the resolution to be finalized Wednesday or Thursday.(dpa)