Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, issued a stark warning to North Korea Wednesday, one day after Pyongyang test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Specifically, Haley said the U.S. is prepared to respond by using military force if necessary.
“One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction,” she said during an emergency Security Council meeting.
Missile experts said North Korea’s successful missile test means the rogue regime could reach Alaska.
Haley told Council members Pyongyang’s launch this week made the world a more dangerous place.
“Their illegal missile launch was not only dangerous, but reckless and irresponsible,” she said. “It showed that North Korea does not want to be part of a peaceful world. They have cast a dark shadow of conflict on all nations that strive for peace.”
Haley said the U.S. would soon draft a new resolution against North Korea that would include tougher sanctions. While many members were supportive of a new resolution, China and Russia were not.
“We are against any statements or action which could lead to an escalation and hardening of antagonisms,” said Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov. “Sanctions will not resolve the issue. In that manner we simply rush towards a stalemate just as any attempts to resolve the situation through force are inadmissible.”
Recommended
Both China and Russia have pushed for a way to ease tensions and are coordinating on a suspension for suspension basis, which would mean North Korea suspends its nuclear and ballistic testing while the U.S. and South Korea would suspend their military exercises. (Fox News)
Haley warned the Council members that any opposition to the new proposal would show support for Pyongyang.
“It’s time for us to all stand together and say we will not put up with this action, to sit there and oppose sanctions, or to sit there and go in defiance of a new resolution means you are holding the hands of Kim Jong-un,” she said.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member