United States Warns North Korea Of Consequences For 'Christmas Gift'

The United States on Wednesday warned North Korea of 'consequences' over threats of prospective weapons test in the coming year. Washington offered to maintain flexibility if North Korea exercises restraint over weapon testing and stays in talks with the US. North Korea had earlier vowed an ominous “Christmas gift” if the US does not come up with concessions by the end of the year.

This comes in the wake of Pyongyang not getting any relief from US sanctions, even after three summits with President Donald Trump. US Ambassador to the UN, Kelly Craft said at the Security Council that North Korea is likely to test intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed to hit the ‘United States with nuclear weapons.’ She added, “Missile and nuclear testing will not bring the DPRK greater security.”

Referring to North Korea’s persistent shorter-range tests as “deeply counterproductive”, Craft added that it Korea had violated UN Security Council resolutions. Ruling out North Korea’s demands for an offer in the year’s final weeks, she said, “Let me be clear: The United States and the Security Council have a goal—not a deadline.”

On the other hand, Chinese ambassador, Zhang Jun, voiced support for North Korea as he said, “The Security Council must revisit sanctions to alleviate the suffering of the North Korean people and create a fruitful environment for dialogue.”

Taking a dig at US diplomacy, Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said, “You can’t reach an agreement if you don’t propose anything in exchange.” Other veto members, France and Britain called on North Korea to seize the rare opportunity offered by Trump for diplomacy.