U.S. prepared to use force on North Korea 'if we must': U.N. envoy
Reuters
Published Jul 05, 2017 03:50PM ET
U.S. prepared to use force on North Korea 'if we must': U.N. envoy
By Michelle Nichols
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States warned on Wednesday that it was ready to use force "if we must" to stop North Korea's nuclear missile program but said it prefers global diplomatic action against Pyongyang for its test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said North Korea's actions were "quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution" and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies.
"One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction," Haley told an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on North Korea.
Taking a major step in its missile program, North Korea on Tuesday test-launched an ICBM, which some experts believe has the range to reach Alaska and the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
The test, the first of its kind by North Korea, led to the United States, Japan and South Korea requesting the Security Council meeting. The council is currently chaired by China.
North Korea says the missile could carry a large nuclear warhead.
The missile test is a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump who has been urging China, North Korea's main trading partner and only major ally, to press Pyongyang to give up its nuclear program.
Haley said the United States would propose new U.N. sanctions on North Korea "in the coming days." She also warned that Washington was prepared to cut off trade with countries who were doing business with North Korea in violation of U.N. resolutions.
For graphic on interactive package on North Korea's missile capabilities click: http://tmsnrt.rs/2t6WEPL
For map locating the missile test on July 4 click: http://tmsnrt.rs/2sGWo8C
Get The News You Want
Written By: Reuters
Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.