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The threat posed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after its multiple missile and nuclear tests this year is "substantially more serious" than it was in the past and demands an "entirely distinct" response, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday.
In an address to the annual United Nations General Assembly, Abe said the world needed to thwart the DPRK's plans and it was time for the UN Security Council to "indicate an unmistakable attitude to this threat."
Abe said that this year alone, the DPRK had launched a total of 21 ballistic missiles and had conducted two nuclear tests, the most recent on Sept 9.
"The threat has now reached a dimension altogether different from what has transpired until now," Abe said, adding that it was "substantially more serious than before."
"We must therefore respond to this in a manner entirely distinct from our responses thus far. We must concentrate our strengths and thwart North Korea's plans," Abe said, adding that Japan would "lead" Security Council discussions on the issue.
UN diplomats say discussions are under way on a possible new UN sanctions resolution on the DPRK after its latest nuclear test.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told the General Assembly on Wednesday that countries must remain committed to denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, while seeking a solution to the DPRK nuclear issue through dialogue.
The United States said Li and US President Barack Obama agreed in New York on Monday to step up cooperation in the UN Security Council and in law enforcement channels.
(REUTERS)
