North Korea Criticizes U.S. Veto on UN Ceasefire Resolution
On the 10th, North Korea issued a statement criticizing the United States for using its veto power against a UN Security Council resolution. This resolution called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. North Korea labeled the U.S. action a “stumbling block” to international peace and stability.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Son Gyong, Director General of European Department of North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement condemning the United States. In his statement, Kim condemned the United States, asserting that the ongoing aspirations of the international community for peace and stability in the Middle East have been harshly disregarded due to the unilateral decisions and overbearing conduct of a lone permanent member nation.
Double Standards and Inhuman Atrocities
Deputy Minister Kim contended, “The United States, previously critical of other permanent members like China and Russia for their use of veto power on resolutions sanctioning North Korea, has now abused its veto power to shield an ally responsible for the massacre of tens of thousands of civilians. This not only exemplifies lawless double standards but also represents the pinnacle of inhuman atrocities.”
Furthermore, he argued, “If the United States supports Israel’s right to self-defense, then the UN Security Council should not treat North Korea’s ‘exercise of sovereign rights,’ like launching military reconnaissance satellites for national safety and regional peace and stability, as illegal.”
Previously, the UN Security Council had voted on a resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, submitted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the 8th. Still, the United States opposed it, leading to its non-adoption. In this vote, 13 member states voted in favor, but the United States exercised its veto power, and the United Kingdom abstained.
To pass a resolution, at least nine of the 15 Security Council member states must support it, and none of the five permanent members — the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France — should exercise their veto power.
By. Yoon Sun Choi
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