In rare UN appearance, North Korea defends missile launch
(VOVWORLD) - North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was an exercise of its right to self-defense "to deter dangerous military moves of hostile forces and safeguard the country’s security," North Korea’s UN envoy told the Security Council on Thursday.
The 15-member Security Council met after North Korea said it tested on Wednesday its latest Hwasong-18 ICBM, adding the weapon is the core of its nuclear strike force.
“We categorically reject and condemn the convening of the Security Council briefing by the United States and its followers,” North Korea’s UN Ambassador Kim Song told the council.
North Korea last spoke at a council meeting on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in December 2017, diplomats said.
For the past several years the council has been divided over how to deal with Pyongyang. Russia and China have said more sanctions will not help and want such measures to be eased.