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U.S. summons emergency meeting of UN due to rise in North Korean missile threat
After the 15th missile test carried out by North Korea this year, the U.S. is stressing the need for the U.N. to discuss the intensifying situation
The U.S. has requested a U.N. Security Council (UNSC) meeting later this week to discuss North Korea’s use of nuclear weapons, as the country steps up its ballistic missiles programme.
Washington is pushing the 15-member body to strengthen sanctions against Pyongyang.
Washington holds the UNSC Presidency for May, and according to diplomats, has been considering calling a meeting since late last week.
The public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 3pm local time in New York.
In recent months, North Korea has ramped up its missile tests. These tests have raised concerns for neighbouring countries and U.S. President Joe Biden.
The North’s latest launch came days before South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was elected.
He has promised to take a hard line against North Korea and recently called for the denuclearisation of the country.
The U.S. calls for greater action from the U.N.
The U.S. hopes to further sanction North Korea. However, Russia and China are reportedly opposed to this. China and Russia hold veto power on the UNSC
U.S. Department of State spokesman Ned Price says North Korea’s actions pose a severe threat to all countries.
“It is a challenge, it is a threat to international peace and security that the UN Security Council and its members have recognised in the past.”
He thinks it is significant for U.S. allies to make it clear these actions are unacceptable.
“We think it’s vital to send a very clear signal to [Pyongyang] that these types of provocations won’t be tolerated, they won’t improve its strategic positioning and the world will respond accordingly,” he says.
North Korea has already been subject to U.N. sanctions since 2006.
Over the past few years, the UNSC has stepped up its bid to cut off funding for Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.
U.S. President Joe Biden wants North Korea to consider denuclearising
President Biden is pushing for the U.N. to take a stronger stance against North Korea.
However, talks between the two nations have been stalled since a 2019 summit with Kim Jong Un and then U.S. President Donald Trump.
North Korea has also accused the U.S. of hostile policies including sanctions and military drills.
In response, Kim Jong Un says they will step up the development of banned nuclear weapons.
According to a transcript from the Korean Central News Agency, he states the nation’s nuclear weapons are “a symbol of national power”.
“We will continue to take steps to strengthen and develop our nation’s nuclear capabilities at the fastest pace,” he says.
