Kim Yo Jong, a senior official and sister of the North Korean leader rejected criticism from UN Secretary General António Guterres as he condemned the launch of a long-range ballistic missile, saying Pyongyang’s repeated missile actions violate Security Council resolutions.
Guterres “has consistently called for de-escalation, the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, an environment that is conducive to dialogue, and the resumption of talks,” according to a UN spokesperson.
Responding to the condemnation, Kim said the UN chief “should not lose impartiality in fulfilling his important duty.” She added: “The DPRK will never tolerate any attempt to threaten the security environment of the state.”
“I express my strong dissatisfaction and categorically reject the unfair and prejudiced attitude of the UN secretary-general taking issue with the DPRK’s (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) mere exercise of its right to self-defence,” Kim said.
North Korea’s foreign ministry also criticised the US and other nations for calling a UN Security Council meeting next week to discuss Pyongyang’s ballistic missile launch. “We will further augment practical efforts to contain the military threat of hostile forces and keep up the balance of force in the region,” it said.
On Friday, Pyongyang launched an improved version of the Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Estimates show Hwasong-19 can reach a distance of more than 15,000 kilometres when launched on a standard trajectory, meaning the US mainland is within range of the missile.
On top of that, South Korea and the United States held joint drone strike drills for the first time. In the meantime, Seoul imposed sanctions on four North Korean organisations and 11 individuals, including Chinese diplomat Choe Chol-min, for his role in the purchase of ballistic missile components and other dual-use goods.
