UN Secretary-General Condemns North Korea's Missile Test

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, condemned North Korea's launch of another ballistic missile, calling it a serious violation of the Security Council's resolutions. According to the Associated Press, on Friday, September 15, spokesman Stephane Dujarric stated that Mr. Guterres urged North Korean leaders to 'refrain from further testing and adhere to the Security Council resolutions on this matter, allowing space for the resumption of serious discussions on nuclear disarmament.' On Friday, North Korea launched another missile over Japan towards the Pacific Ocean for the second time in less than a month. Japanese government officials reported that the missile passed over Hokkaido in the north and landed about two kilometers east of Japan in the Pacific Ocean. South Korean military sources also indicated that the missile traveled approximately 3,700 kilometers, which is sufficient to reach Guam, a part of U.S. territory in the Pacific that North Korea has threatened. Experts say the targeting of these missiles, which are still in early production stages, is weak. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the UN Security Council is set to convene at the request of the United States regarding this matter. Under Kim Jong-un's leadership, North Korea has accelerated its missile and nuclear programs with the goal of achieving capabilities to target U.S. soil. The two tests conducted in July involved intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of hitting parts of the U.S. The country also conducted its sixth nuclear test in early September, which was the largest bomb produced by North Korea. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis stated that the missile launch 'terrified millions in northern Japan and sent them to shelters,' although reports suggest that people in these areas continued their normal lives and work. The U.S. military announced that it detected and tracked the missile shortly after its launch and posed no threat to Guam, which is located 3,400 kilometers from North Korea. According to South Korean armed forces, the missile flew at a speed of about 770 kilometers and had a flight duration of approximately 19 minutes. In response to North Korea's missile test, U.S. officials emphasized their policy of defending allied countries. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for new measures against North Korea, stating, 'Continued provocative actions will only lead to North Korea's diplomatic and economic isolation.' Reuters adds that recent Gallup poll results indicate that a majority of the American public is prepared to support military action against North Korea at least as a last resort. Fifty-eight percent of respondents said they would support military action if economic and diplomatic measures fail to meet U.S. objectives. According to Gallup, this figure has increased by 11 percent compared to the last similar poll conducted in 2003. Meanwhile, the South Korean president stated that dialogue with the North Korean government is currently impossible. A spokesperson for the South Korean president said he has instructed responsible officials to prepare for potential threats from North Korea, including chemical attacks. The Russian government also stated that this missile test is part of provocative and unacceptable actions, and the UN Security Council agrees that such actions should not occur. The Kremlin stated that Vladimir Putin has had a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, and both parties emphasized the necessity of finding a diplomatic solution, including resuming negotiations with North Korea. Recent Security Council sanctions include a ban on textile exports from North Korea and restrictions on its oil exports. However, in global financial markets, traders did not pay attention to North Korea's missile test, resulting in no change in stock prices. Currently, the main issue for international financial markets is the likelihood of interest rate increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other major global banks.