North Korea: G7 ministers criticize inaction by UN Security Council over Pyongyang's record missile launches

The foreign ministers of the G7 countries have expressed frustration with the lack of action being taken by the United Nations Security Council on North Korea. This comes as Pyongyang has launched a record number of missiles since last year.

The foreign ministers of the seven biggest economies in the world said in a statement Sunday that they expressed regret over the inaction by the UNSC. The ministers cited the “obstruction” being done by some members of the UNSC. While the ministers did not name the countries, China and Russia are known to have blocked attempts to take further action on North Korea as two of the council’s permanent members have veto power.

The group also condemned the March 16 launch by North Korea of an intercontinental ballistic missile, saying that the launch was “undermining regional and international peace and security.”

South Korea’s Yonhap news outlet said the council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday at the request of the United States and Japan.

North Korean state media outlet KCNA reported Monday that the isolated nation’s leader Kim Jong-un oversaw two days of drills “simulating a nuclear counterattack,” including firing a ballistic missile that was equipped with a mock nuclear warhead. The launching of the missile comes amidst the ongoing joint drills between the militaries of South Korea and the United States.

KCNA reported that Kim was satisfied with the weekend launches that were held to “let relevant units get familiar with the procedures and processes for implementing their tactical nuclear missions.”

The outlet released photos of Kim overseeing the tests along with his young daughter. During the drills, a ballistic missile equipped with a mock nuclear warhead flew 800 kilometers before it hit a target at an altitude of 2,625 feet.

“The nuclear force of the DPRK will strongly deter, control, and manage the enemy’s reckless moves and provocations with its high war readiness, and carry out its important mission without hesitation in case of any unwarranted situation,” said Kim, according to the outlet, referring to the initials of North Korea’s formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.