Experts say North Korea’s recent intensification of weapons testing may mean it seeks sanctions easing or international recognition as a legitimate nuclear state.
The United States urged the UN Security Council to meet on Thursday over North Korea’s recent test of a medium-range ballistic missile capable of reaching the Guam region. The US State Department has confirmed the request for an in-camera council meeting. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also condemned the launches. White House officials said they see North Korea’s latest missile test as an addition to the last several months of provocations.
UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned Sunday’s launch and called it a clear violation of Security Council resolutions. Guterres appealed to North Korea not to act like this. North Korea on Sunday test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile Hwasong-12, which is capable of hitting the US territory of Guam.
Experts say North Korea’s recent intensification of weapons testing may mean it seeks sanctions easing or international recognition as a legitimate nuclear state.
Kim Jong glorifies strength at New Year’s program
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with his wife attended a Lunar New Year’s Day event in the capital Pyongyang, where audiences and artists warmly welcomed them to usher in a new era of national power. Here in the new year some missile tests were described as glorifying rather than authoritarian leadership of Kim.
The audience applauded that Kim was ushering in a new world and a new era in the country by turning people’s ideals and aspirations to build happiness and a powerful nation into reality.
