U.S. urges UN action on North’s weapons

The United States urged United Nations Security Council members to adopt a statement demanding the end of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, Reuters reported yesterday.
The draft statement was circulated to the council members to condemn Pyeongyang’s nuclear program and to demand that the North comply fully with its past commitments to the international community to remain nuclear weapons-free.
John Negroponte, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, consulted with UN representatives of Britain, France and Russia Wednesday regarding the draft. Mr. Negroponte met with Chinese diplomats Thursday.
Washington asked the UN Security Council to adopt a statement on April 9 regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, but China and Russia rejected the bid.
China’s representative to the United Nations, Wang Yingfan, did not give an immediate comment on the U.S. draft.
“The council underscores the shared objective of a non-nuclear Korean Peninsula,” and “expresses its desire for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the situation,” the draft statement obtained through Reuters said.
Pyeongyang warned yesterday through its official newspaper, Rodong Shinmun, “If the United States refers the nuclear issue to the United Nations, we will counter with an emergency measure.” The newspaper did not elaborate.

by Ser Myo-ja