Delay by UN on Rebuking North Korea is Urged

The United States, backed by Great Britain and France, has continually asked the Security Council to issue a statement condemning North Korea’s violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, the issuing of the statement has been held up by the lack of consensus among the permanent members of the Security Council . China and Russia remain reluctant, believing that doing so, will only accelerate tensions with North Korea. China has backed direct talks between the US and North Korea, while the US wants multi-lateral talks that includes South Korea, Japan and China. The absence of a consensus within the Security Council notwithstanding, it is clear that the disarmament of North Korea, and greater vigilance of its nuclear activities, will remain an important part of US foreign policy, and fight against terrorism. –YaleGlobal