North Korea threatens South with 'final destruction'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 February 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, North Korea threatens South with 'final destruction', 19 February 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/513dd1b2c.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 19, 2013
North Korean soldiers attend a rally celebrating the country's third nuclear test on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on February 14.
North Korea has threatened South Korea with "final destruction" during a debate at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament.
North Korea's envoy to the conference, Jon Yong Ryong, said on February 19 that "a newborn puppy knows no fear of a tiger," adding that Pyongyang could take unspecified further steps after a nuclear test last week if South Korea and its allies continued pushing for more sanctions against the North.
Jon's comments drew quick criticism from other states, with diplomats denouncing the comments as an inadmissible threat against a UN member state.
North Korea's nuclear test last week was its third and most powerful.
Pyongyang says it carried out the test to boost its defenses given the hostility of the United States.
Washington has pushed for more sanctions to punish Pyongyang for defying UN resolutions.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
