UN Secretary-General on Korean Crisis: A Serious Threat Not Seen in Years

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, states that the current crisis on the Korean Peninsula has become a threat to global security that has not been seen for years. In an interview published on September 10 in the French newspaper 'Le Journal du Dimanche', Mr. Guterres says, 'We must remain hopeful that the seriousness of this danger will guide us towards dialogue before it is too late.' He adds that recent events, including missile and nuclear tests in North Korea, severe verbal tensions, and the ensuing crisis, represent 'the most serious crisis we have faced in many years.' The Secretary-General points out that there have been dangers in the past where wars occurred that were well thought out before they happened. He continues that there have also been wars that had no justification: 'We have had wars that were the result of sleepwalking.' Guterres emphasizes the need to convince Pyongyang to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and to respect the UN Security Council resolutions. The UN Security Council has prohibited nuclear tests for military purposes and ballistic missile launches by North Korea, and has imposed sanctions on Pyongyang for continuing these actions. However, the crisis on the Korean Peninsula has entered a new phase in recent weeks with North Korea's sixth and strongest nuclear test and the revelation of its capabilities to produce intercontinental missiles. The United States has officially called for a vote on a new resolution in the Security Council against North Korea. Antonio Guterres told 'Le Journal du Dimanche', 'We must maintain unity in the Security Council at all costs, as this [Council] is the only tool that can lead us to a diplomatic solution that has a chance of success.' Diplomats at the UN have stated that the sanctions proposed by the US to the Security Council are the most severe sanctions considered against North Korea. Earlier, Reuters reported that these sanctions are expected to include oil and textile exports and even the employment of North Korean workers abroad. The United States is also attempting to freeze assets related to Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, and prevent his foreign travel. US officials have stated that the goal of these severe sanctions is to compel Pyongyang to negotiate an end to its nuclear and missile tests. The final and definitive stance of Russia and China on this resolution is still unclear. Nevertheless, the President of Russia recently stated that 'increasing sanctions against North Korea will yield negative results.' He also warned about 'cornering' North Korea in other remarks. Moscow and Beijing, along with Washington, Paris, and London, hold veto power over Security Council resolutions.