Tillerson UN: Work before Pyongyang

The US Secretary of State urged the UN to impose sanctions, suspending or limiting diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.

If it does not act now against the greatest security threats, the world is threatening "catastrophic consequences," US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the UN Security Council, adding that this global body must act "before North Korea works." He called on the UN to impose sanctions, suspend or limit diplomatic relations with the Pyongyang. Tillerson said he would not hesitate to impose sanctions on third parties who have relations with North Korea because "business as there is no longer an option" for this country.

"All of the options to respond to the future provocation of North Korea must stay on the table. North Korea has dictated the conditions of its dangerous course of action for years and it is time to take control of the situation, "he said. Tillerson has earlier said that he expects greater pressure on China to contain his ally - Pyongyang. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today called on North Korea in the UN Security Council to end its nuclear and missile activities and warned all sides that "the use of force does not address the differences and that it will only lead to major disasters".

He also urged the United States and South Korea to resign from military exercises, AFP reports. The AFP recalls Washington is advocating for stricter UN sanctions on North Korea, but also wants China to take the lead in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis by using its influence on Pyongyang.

Difficult to a diplomatic solution

US President Donald Trump told Reuters agency that he previously pleaded for a diplomatic solution, but admitted it was very difficult. "We will discuss what steps are needed to increase pressure on Pyongyang to reconsider its current position," Tillerson said last night in an interview with Fox News. He added that the will of China to test the US in solving this "serious threat" will be tested, AFP reports. According to him, China has conveyed to the United States that it warned Pyongyang that it would introduce the country "its own criminal measures" if North Korea re-conducted nuclear testing.

Tillerson told the National Public Radio that the US did not rule out a direct conversation with North Korea, but stressed that it would require guarantees that Pyongyang would give up nuclear and missile programs. Although no resolution is envisaged during the UN meeting, it will allow the US and its allies to exert pressure on China to use its influence to persuade Pyongyang, the agencies say.

• 28 Apr, 2017
• 1153 views