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| A general view of the United Nations Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York City is seen in this Feb. 28 file photo. The United States has requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting for May 11, to discuss North Korea, according to diplomats, after Pyongyang tested a submarine-launched ballistic missile over the weekend. AFP-Yonhap |
The United States has requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting for Wednesday to discuss North Korea, according to diplomats, amid fears that Pyongyang will resume nuclear weapons tests in the coming weeks.
Washington holds the Security Council presidency for the month of May, and has been considering calling a meeting since late last week, the same diplomats said Monday. The public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. (GMT).
It comes as Pyongyang has dramatically ramped up its sanctions-busting missile launches, conducting 15 weapons tests since January including firing an intercontinental ballistic missile at full range for the first time since 2017.
North Korea's latest test occurred Saturday when Pyongyang fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile, its second missile launch in just three days.
The Security Council meeting will be held one day after the swearing in of South Korea's hawkish new president, Yoon Suk-yeol, who has vowed to get tough on Pyongyang and bolster the U.S. security alliance.
Satellite imagery meanwhile indicates North Korea may also be preparing to resume nuclear tests, with the U.S. State Department warning Friday that a test could come "as early as this month."
No comment could immediately be obtained from the U.S. diplomatic mission to the U.N. on Wednesday's proposed meeting.
Washington has also recently proposed toughening sanctions on North Korea through the Security Council.
A draft Security Council resolution presented last month by the United States and seen by AFP would tighten sanctions, including reducing the amount of crude oil North Korea would be allowed to import each year for civilian purposes from four million to two million barrels.
But the resolution stands little chance of approval as diplomats say there is no support from China or Russia, which hold veto powers and have cordial relations with Pyongyang. (AFP)
