THE US yesterday warned North Korea of consequences if it makes good on threats of a spectacular weapons test, while offering flexibility if it stays in talks.

Frustrated by the lack of sanctions relief after three summits with President Donald Trump, Pyongyang has vowed an ominous “Christmas gift” if Washington does not come up with concessions by year-end.

At the United Nations Security Council, US Ambassador Kelly Craft voiced concern that North Korea is indicating it will test intercontinental ballistic missiles, “which are designed to attack the continental US with nuclear weapons”.

“Missile and nuclear testing will not bring DPRK greater security,” she said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“We trust that DPRK will turn away from further hostility and threats, and instead, make a bold decision to engage with us.”

Hinting at further sanctions, she said: “If events prove otherwise, we, the Security Council, must all be prepared to act accordingly.”

She called North Korea’s persistent shorter-range tests “deeply counterproductive”, and in an unusually direct condemnation by the US, said they violate UN Security Council resolutions.

Craft appeared to rule out meeting the North’s demands for an offer in the year’s final weeks, saying: “Let me be clear – the US and Security Council have a goal, not a deadline.”

But, she said, the US, which used its presidency of the Security Council to convene the meeting, wants to work towards a deal.

“We remain ready to take actions in parallel, and to simultaneously take concrete steps towards this agreement.

“We are prepared to be flexible in how we approach this matter.”

Rising N. Korean frustration

Trump has hailed his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after their breakthrough summit last year in Singapore and two subsequent meetings.

The US president, who has boasted that he prevented war, previously said he would be “surprised” if North Korea acted in a hostile manner.

But the North – which did not participate in yesterday’s session – has shown frustration since February’s eagerly awaited summit in Hanoi ended in stalemate.

The two countries met in Stockholm in October to start working-level talks, though North Korea denounced the meeting, accusing the US of not offering anything.

China and Russia, which had cautiously backed pressure on Pyongyang after its past nuclear tests, indicated that they will reject further sanctions.

“The Security Council must revisit sanctions to alleviate the suffering of the North Korean people and create a fruitful environment for dialogue,” said Ambassador Zhang Jun of China, North Korea’s primary ally.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia faulted US diplomacy, saying: “You can’t reach an agreement if you don’t propose anything in exchange.”

Japan and South Korea, however, put the onus on North Korea.

South Korea, whose dovish President Moon Jae-in paved the way for Trump’s outreach to Pyongyang, urged its neighbour to abide by Security Council resolutions.

North Korea should “remain meaningfully engaged in dialogue with the US and (South) Korea, so that progress in negotiations can lead to concrete results”, said Ambassador Cho Hyun of the South.

France and Britain, which both wield veto power in the Security Council, also called on the North to seize the rare opportunity offered by Trump for diplomacy.

“It is not too late,” Britain’s Karen Pierce told North Korea.

“You can stop this situation from worsening.” – AFP, December 12, 2019.