North Korea says it’ll make US suffer over ‘vicious’ UN sanctions

UNITED NATIONS, United States — North Korea condemns “vicious” new UN sanctions imposed over its sixth and largest nuclear test, warning it will make the US “suffer the greatest pain” it has ever experienced.

The new sanctions imposed unanimously by the UN Security Council Monday ban North Korean textile exports and restrict shipments of oil products.

The resolution, passed after Washington toned down its original proposals to secure backing from China and Russia, came just one month after the council banned exports of coal, lead and seafood in response to the North’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

North Korea categorically rejects the new measures, with UN ambassador Han Tae-Song saying in Geneva that the US “fabricated the most vicious sanction resolution” and warning of retaliation.

“The forthcoming measures by DPRK (North Korea) will make the US suffer the greatest pain it has ever experienced in its history,” he tells a disarmament conference in the Swiss city.

US ambassador Nikki Haley said Monday at the UN the tough new measures were a message to Pyongyang that “the world will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea.” But she also held out the prospect of a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

“We are not looking for war. The North Korean regime has not yet passed the point of no return,” Haley told the Security Council, adding: “If North Korea continues its dangerous path, we will continue with further pressure. The choice is theirs.”

— AFP