The U.N. Blamed North Korea’s Latest Missile Tests, but Took No Action

Even though the United Nations Security Council blamed North Korea’s recent missile test, it did not give any indications that it was prepared to take tougher measures

The 15 members of the Security Council met and discussed for almost four hours during an emergency session. The aim of the meeting was to discuss a response to the North’s latest test, which sent an intermediate-range ballistic missile over the Japanese island of Hokkaido. They adopted a statement through which they condemned the launch, as well as three others, calling them “not just a threat to the region but all U.N. member states.”

On the other hand, nothing in the statement suggested that the council was ready, in any way, to further toughen the eight sets of sanctions that it has imposed on the North. Moreover, it was unclear what additional action, if any of its kind, might be taken.

The ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, said that the statement showed that “the world is united against North Korea.” She hinted at a possible American response, saying that “the United States will not allow this lawlessness to continue.”

President Trump came and added his own statement, saying that “All options are on the table.”

Kim Jong-un has authorized more than 80 missile tests since he first took power six years ago. However, all the missiles landed in nearby waters due to the fact that they were of limited range, or fired at a sharp angle, high into space, so that they would splash down without getting too far.

On the other hand, on Tuesday, they decided to abandon that restraint, and lobbed an intermediate-range ballistic missile at a normal angle, sending it over Hokkaido. By doing so, Mr. Kim may have been attempting to prove that he can hit a faraway target.

Source: nytimes.com