North Korean threats

North Korea threatens to follow up nuclear test and 'destroy South Korea'

Pyongyang diplomat criticised for 'highly inappropriate language' at a UN diplomatic forum

The Guardian,

19 February, 2013

North Korea has threatened South Korea with "final destruction" during a debate at the UN Conference on Disarmament , saying it could take "second and third steps" after a nuclear test last week.

"As the saying goes, a new-born puppy knows no fear of a tiger. South Korea's erratic behaviour would only herald its final destruction," North Korean diplomat Jon Yong Ryong told the meeting.

Without specifically referring to the nuclear test, Jon said North Korea had recently taken a "resolute step for self-defence", which he described as "strong counter-actions to a foreign aggressor".

He added that if the US takes a hostile approach towards North Korea, Pyongyang "would be left with no option but to take the second and third stronger steps in succession".

His comments drew immediate criticism from other nations, including South Korea and Britain, whose ambassador Joanne Adamson said such language was "completely inappropriate". She added that the discussion with North Korea was heading in the wrong direction. "It cannot be allowed that we have expressions which refer to the possible destruction of UN member states," she said.

US ambassador Laura Kennedy said she found North Korea's statement profoundly disturbing. "I also was particularly struck by the phrase 'heralding the destruction of the Republic of Korea' and find that language incredibly inconsistent with the goals and objectives that this body is intended to pursue," she said.