সহকারী অধ্যাপক
২৬ আগস্ট, ২০২৩ ০৭:৪১ অপরাহ্ণ
US accuses Russia, China of covering for North Korea at UN
US
accuses Russia, China of covering for North Korea at UN
The United States on
Friday accused China and Russia of blocking a unified UN Security Council
response to North Korea's missile launches, including Thursday's attempt by
Pyongyang to put a spy satellite in space, AFP reports.
During an emergency Security Council meeting, 13 of the 15 members -- all but
Moscow and Beijing -- condemned Pyongyang's second spy satellite test in three
months, which used ballistic missile technology.
"This should be an issue that unifies us. ... But since the beginning of
2022, this Council has failed to live up to its commitments because of China
and Russia's obstructionism," said US Ambassador to the UN Linda
Thomas-Greenfield.
"The DPRK's nuclear threat is growing, and Russia and China are not living
up to their responsibility to maintain international peace and security,"
she added, using the initials for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,
the North's official name.
Thomas-Greenfield also
denounced the presence of Russian and Chinese officials at a North Korean
military parade last month that showed off new drones and nuclear-capable
intercontinental ballistic missiles.
"They are celebrating -- celebrating -- violations of Security Council
resolutions and continuing to block Council action," Thomas-Greenfield
said of Moscow and Beijing.
In May 2022, China and Russia vetoed a resolution imposing new sanctions on
Pyongyang, and no resolution or declaration by the Security Council on North
Korea has been adopted since.
The last unified Security Council action on North Korea took place in 2017.
Chinese and Russian representatives said Washington was to blame for North
Korea's aggressive stance, pointing to ongoing US military drills with South
Korea.
North Korea has long maintained its nuclear program is pursued in self-defense,
and said the same applies to its satellite program.
"Our launch of the reconnaissance satellite is an exercise of the
legitimate right to self defense to deter ever-increasing hostile military acts
of the United States," said North Korean Ambassador Kim Song, adding that
his country has never recognized UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea
anyway.
Thomas-Greenfield rejected that position.
"We all know the truth: The DPRK puts its paranoia and selfish interests
over the dire needs of the North Korean people," she said.
"The DPRK's war
machine is fueled by repression and cruelty," Thomas-Greenfield added.
"It's shameful, and it's a grave threat to global peace."