United Nations – The United States today introduced a new draft resolution in the Security Council to punish North Korea for its reported nuclear test and said it wants a vote on Friday.
Russia urged the United States not to rush the vote, saying Moscow still had differences and the U.S. should wait for the results of a flurry of high-level diplomacy. China backed Russia’s call, saying Beijing would welcome more talks so the Security Council can send a united and forceful message to Pyongyang condemning the test.
U.S. Ambassador John Bolton told reporters after formally introducing it in the Security Council that Washington wants a vote on Friday.
“I think the council should try to respond to a nuclear test within the same week that the test occurred,” Bolton said. “We’re certainly in favor of keeping all the diplomatic channels open, but we also want swift action, and we shouldn’t allow meetings, and more meetings … to be an excuse for inaction.” The United States and Japan had initially hoped for a vote today. But if Washington wants to get China and Russia – the two countries closest to North Korea – on board, a vote is likely be delayed until next week.
