Emphasis by US and German Leaders on Intensifying UN Sanctions Against North Korea

US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned North Korea's recent nuclear test during a phone conversation shortly after an emergency UN Security Council meeting, emphasizing the need to intensify sanctions against the country. According to the German government spokesperson, the leaders described North Korea's recent hydrogen bomb test as unacceptable and urged the Security Council to reach an agreement more quickly on tightening sanctions. They simultaneously called for increased global pressure on North Korea. Earlier on Sunday, President Trump stated that the policy of 'appeasement' towards Pyongyang would yield no results. Trump also noted that halting trade with countries that conduct business with North Korea is under consideration. In the past two months, North Korea has tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles, three medium-range missiles, and a hydrogen bomb, the latter being the sixth and most powerful nuclear bomb tested by the country, reportedly designed for long-range missiles. Following the emergency meeting on Monday, the US permanent representative to the UN announced that the country would put forth a resolution regarding North Korea for consultation, with a vote scheduled for next Monday. While Russia condemned North Korea's actions, it continues to emphasize resolving the crisis through diplomatic means. Nikki Haley, the US representative to the UN, stressed on Monday that only stronger sanctions would enable a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Meanwhile, Angela Merkel, whose country supports intensified sanctions against North Korea, stated in her conversation with Trump that she is also working for the EU to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea, aiming to convince Pyongyang to avoid violating international laws and to achieve a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Since 2006, North Korea has been the subject of seven UN sanction packages related to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, with the latest tightening the sanctions further in mid-August of this year.