North Korea tells UN satellite launch was in self-defense

North Korea said on Monday UN Security Council that his launch of a spy satellite was in legitimate defense, rejecting the complaints led by USA.

The launch of the satelliteMalligyong-1″last week caused the suspension of a 2018 agreement between North Korea and the South to mitigate military tensions on the border.

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According to the official KCNA news agency, the satellite took images of Seoul and of the cities of Pyeongtaek, Osan, Mokpo and Gunsanwhere there are South Korean and American military bases.

Seoul, Washington and Tokyo They condemned the launch, which, according to them, violates United Nations resolutions that prohibit Pyongyang the development of ballistic missile technology, also used in satellites.

In a rare appearance in the Security CouncilNorth Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Songcomplained that other countries faced no restrictions on satellites.

“No other nation in the world is in such a critical security environment as the DPRK.Kim said, using the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“A belligerent party, USAhe is threatening us with a nuclear weapon“, he claimed. “It is a legitimate right for the DPRK, as another belligerent party, to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapons systems equivalent to those that the United States possesses or is developing”he added.

He also mocked U.S. accusations that satellite technology helped North Korea hone its missile capabilities and questioned whether the United States put satellites into orbit.with a catapult”.

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The United States ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfieldrejected North Korea’s claim that it was acting in self-defense and said joint exercises between the United States and South Korea were “routine” and “defensive in nature”.

“We intentionally reduce risk and seek transparency by announcing exercises in advance, including dates and activities, unlike the DPRK”he said, adding that the exercises did not violate Security Council resolutions.

Pyongyang carried out a record number of missile tests this year, despite international sanctions and warnings from the United States, South Korea and its allies.