UN plans ‘further measures’ against North Korea over H-bomb test

Ban Ki-moon calls nuclear explosion ‘deeply troubling’ and ‘profoundly destabilizing’ for region

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon makes comments to the media on the situation in North Korea before the Security Council holds a closed-door meeting to discuss the next steps at the United Nations on January 6, 2016 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP)
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon makes comments to the media on the situation in North Korea before the Security Council holds a closed-door meeting to discuss the next steps at the United Nations on January 6, 2016 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP)

The UN Security Council agreed Wednesday to prepare further unspecified measures against North Korea after it have carried out a fourth nuclear test.

The 15-member council including China, Pyongyang’s ally, “strongly condemned” the test and described it as a “clear threat to international peace and security.”

North Korea said earlier Wednesday it had carried out a “successful” miniaturized hydrogen bomb test — a shock announcement that, if confirmed, would massively raise the stakes in the hermit state’s bid to strengthen its nuclear arsenal.

Uruguay’s Ambassador Elbio Rosselli, this month’s council president, recalled that the council had threatened to take “further significant measures” if Pyongyang violated UN resolutions by testing an atomic device.

“In line with this commitment and the gravity of this violation, the members of the Security Council will begin to work immediately on such measures in a new Security Council resolution,” said Rosselli.

People watch a news report on North Korea's first hydrogen bomb test at a railroad station in Seoul on January 6, 2016. (AFP PHOTO / JUNG YEON-JE)
People watch a news report on North Korea’s first hydrogen bomb test at a railroad station in Seoul on January 6, 2016. (AFP PHOTO / JUNG YEON-JE)

The envoy did not specify whether the new measure would extend sanctions against North Korea, but other diplomats confirmed that adding new names to the sanctions list was being considered.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the underground nuclear test “deeply troubling” and “profoundly destabilizing for regional security.”

He stressed that it was in violation of numerous Security Council resolutions barring Pyongyang from engaging in nuclear activities.

Three previous tests in 2006, 2009 and 2013 triggered waves of UN sanctions.

Currently there are a total of 20 entities and 12 individuals on the UN sanctions blacklist.

British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said his delegation was “working with others on a resolution on further sanctions.”

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