UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – North Korea is expected to deliver a rare statement during a United Nations Security Council meeting scheduled for Thursday. The meeting was called in response to Pyongyang’s recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
In an unusual move, North Korea has requested to speak at the meeting, and Great Britain, serving as the council president for July, intends to grant the request, announced Mungo Woodifield, spokesperson for Britain’s U.N. mission in New York.
The council meeting was originally requested by the United States, Albania, France, Japan, Malta, and Britain. These countries have expressed their concern over North Korea’s actions.
North Korea, also known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been subjected to U.N. sanctions since 2006 due to its ongoing missile and nuclear programs. These sanctions include a ban on the development of ballistic missiles.
Just yesterday, North Korea conducted a test of its latest Hwasong-18 ICBM, according to state media. The country claims that this weapon is the cornerstone of its nuclear strike force and serves as a warning to the United States and any other adversaries.
Notably, the Hwasong-18 is North Korea’s first ICBM to utilize solid propellants, enabling quicker missile deployment in times of conflict. The missile was initially tested in April and has now been employed again.
Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Mark Porter
Credit: The Star : News Feed
