On Friday, North Korea confirmed it had conducted its fifth nuclear test explosion, which was a direct violation of UN sanctions and earned the consternation of several world leaders. ABC News reports that President Obama was briefed on the situation, as the test had caused a 5.3 magnitude earthquake. He called for North Korea to face “serious consequences.”
In recent weeks, North Korea has been ramping up its nuclear capabilities and taking steps to ensure it still has a tight grip over its citizens. Friday’s nuclear test is the country’s second this year and fifth since 2006. Some global officials have voiced their displeasure with the country conducting these tests after they were told not to do so. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano called this a “regrettable act:”
“Today’s nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, if confirmed, is its second this year and the fifth since 2006. This is in clear violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions and in complete disregard of the repeated demands of the international community. It is a deeply troubling and regrettable act.”
It’s a sentiment that has been felt amongst other leaders as North Korea continues this testing, even though they have been warned on numerous occasions. National Security Adviser Susan Rice said Obama isn’t pleased with how the country’s continued defiance of sanctions:
“The president also consulted with President Park of the Republic of Korea and Prime Minister Abe of Japan in separate phone calls. The president reiterated the unbreakable U.S. commitment to the security of our allies in Asia and around the world. The president indicated he would continue to consult our allies and partners in the days ahead to ensure provocative actions from North Korea are met with serious consequences.”
It seems like a cycle with North Korea; they flaunt their nuclear prowess, and they are then reprimanded by the world’s leaders. It may only be a matter of time before the cycle repeats itself.
(Via ABC News)
