UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Sanctions against North Korea show how world powers like the United States are abusing the Security Council, the North Korean foreign affairs minister said.
North Korea said its February underground nuclear test was part of a policy against the United States. The North Korean government preceded the test with the launch of a satellite using a long-range rocket.
North Korean Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Pak Kil Yon told the United Nations during its 68th annual debate the resulting sanctions were unfair.
The sanctions were enacted "under the manipulation of the United States," he said Tuesday. "It represents a typical example of how and for what purpose the power of the U.N. Security Council is being abused."
North Korea in September restarted an enrichment reactor. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency he was calling on Pyongyang to "to demonstrate its commitment towards a verifiable denuclearization."
Pak said there is "nothing more precious" than a peaceful environment for the North Korean government and its people.
