Kim Jong-un's sister criticizes the Security Council

Kim Jong-un's sister criticized Security Council members' condemnation of Pyongyang's satellite launch, saying it violated North Korea's rights.

"I express deep regret that the Security Council has turned into a lawless zone where the sovereignty of independent states is blatantly violated," Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said in a statement on November 30.

Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, attends a meeting in Pyongyang in August 2022. Photo: AFP — Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, attends a meeting in Pyongyang in August 2022. Photo: *AFP*

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened a meeting on November 27 to discuss North Korea's launch of a military reconnaissance satellite a week earlier. During the meeting, a senior UN official told the council that the Security Council resolution prohibits Pyongyang from conducting launches using ballistic missile technology.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield called North Korea's satellite launch an "illegal" act that threatened its neighbors. However, she reiterated the US offer of dialogue without preconditions, saying Pyongyang "can choose the time and the subject."

According to Ms. Kim Yo-jong, criticism of North Korea's satellite launch is a "false" argument that denies Pyongyang's "sovereign rights."

"The sovereignty of an independent state can never be a subject for negotiation, so North Korea will never sit at the negotiating table with the US in that way," she said, referring to Pyongyang's commitment to satellite development. "North Korea will continue to exercise its sovereign rights without restriction in the future."

Security Council 'fiercely debated' over North Korea's satellite launch — Fierce debate at the Security Council over North Korea's satellite launch. Video : DW

Multiple Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from conducting any launches using ballistic technology, such as satellite launches and missile tests. North Korea argues it has a sovereign right to launch reconnaissance satellites and ballistic missiles to counter the US-led military threat. Pyongyang views major military exercises between Washington and Seoul as rehearsals for invasion and often responds with weapons tests.

Ms. Kim Yo-jong said that the Security Council meeting was convened at the "unreasonable request of the US and its allies." According to her, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield should first explain why US strategic weapons frequently appear at South Korean ports, instead of calling North Korea's satellite launch "illegal."

After launching a reconnaissance satellite into orbit, North Korea claimed to have captured images of US and South Korean military bases, as well as the Italian capital Rome and the White House. However, Pyongyang has not released any satellite images.

Huyen Le (According to AFP , ABC )

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