Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that a ‘Clear message must be sent to North Korea & to other countries that such activities are unacceptable’, and can not be tolerated.
Israel said on Tuesday that the international community must make clear to North Korea after its latest nuclear test that such activities cannot be tolerated.
An undated file photo released by the Korean Central News Agency of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. – Photo by AP
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the test, North Korea’s third in defiance of UN resolutions, and a ballistic missile launch in December raised “grave concerns” about proliferation of nuclear and ballistic technologies.
“These actions by North Korea, in violation of its international obligations, must be met with a swift response by the international community,” the ministry said.
“A clear message must be sent to North Korea and to other countries that such activities are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”
The North Korean test site where the nuclear test took place, Tuesday February 12, 2013. Photo by Google Earth
On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers to put more pressure on Iran to stop what Israel and Western countries fear is a drive toward developing atomic weapons. Iran says it is enriching uranium solely for peaceful purposes.
Israel, which is gene rally believed to possess the Middle East’s only nuclear arsenal but refuses to confirm or deny the fact, says a nuclear-armed Iran would threaten its existence, and has hinted strongly that it will take military action if international efforts fail to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
View original HAARETZ publication at: http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/israel-urges-swift-world-response-to-north-korea-nuclear-test-1.503132
Israeli New Shekel Exchange Rate