North Korea: Trump's Words Ignite the Fire of War; Trump: North Korea Problem Must Be Solved

The North Korean Foreign Minister stated in an interview with the Russian state news agency that the words of the U.S. President have "ignited the fire of war" and that his country is ready to respond with "fire." Donald Trump also stated on Wednesday that North Korea is "a problem that must be solved." Ri Yong-ho, the North Korean Foreign Minister, said in an interview with the Russian news agency TASS on October 11 that Mr. Trump's statements at the United Nations "have ignited the fire of war against us." He added, "We must determine the final outcome, only with a strike of fire, and not by talking." During his first speech at the United Nations as President of the United States, Donald Trump specifically addressed the issues of North Korea and Iran. Regarding North Korea, he stated that if Pyongyang does not back down from its current position, the U.S. will have no choice but to "totally destroy North Korea." In a meeting with U.S. military leaders on October 5, he also mentioned "the calm before the storm" without providing further explanation. Ri Yong-ho told TASS that Pyongyang's nuclear program is a "guarantee of peace and security" in the region and that no negotiations will take place. Just a day before these statements, Kim Jong-un described possessing nuclear weapons as a "strong deterrent" for defending his country's sovereignty. The North Korean Foreign Minister stated, "We have almost reached the finish line in our journey to achieve our main goal; to achieve a real balance of power with the United States... Our fundamental position is clear; we will not enter into any negotiations aimed at our nuclear weapons." On the same day that this interview was published, the U.S. President once again addressed the issue of North Korea during a meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister at the White House, describing Pyongyang as a "problem" that "must be solved." In response to the positions of Rex Tillerson, his Secretary of State, regarding how to react to North Korea, he said, "I think a stronger and tougher [response] is necessary compared to others. But I listen to the opinions of others." Mr. Trump stated, "In the end, I will do what is appropriate for the United States and, in fact, for the world." In an interview with Fox News aired on October 11, he said, "We cannot let this situation continue as it is. We absolutely cannot." He also praised China's actions, stating that Beijing has "stopped banking transactions with North Korea." Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated following recent missile tests by Pyongyang and the sixth and most powerful nuclear test by North Korea. Several of Pyongyang's recent tests, which reports indicate have been successful, involve long-range missiles capable of reaching U.S. territory. At the same time, international and multilateral sanctions against Pyongyang have increased in recent months. Two nights ago, two U.S. strategic bombers conducted military exercises over the Korean Peninsula in a night drill that for the first time included both South Korean and Japanese fighter jets. In this context, Trump emphasized that only one thing will yield results regarding North Korea, and Mattis stressed the need for the U.S. military to be prepared for "military options" against North Korea. U.S. bombers flew over Korea, and various options are being considered in Washington. There has also been a reported breach by North Korean hackers into the secret military plans of South Korea and the U.S.