Pyongyang denounces UN rights resolution

DPRK indicates another nuclear test to counter 'hostile US policy'

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Thursday denounced a UN resolution on human rights in the country and indicated it might conduct a new nuclear test to counter "US hostile policy" toward Pyongyang.

The Third Committee of the 69th United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution, drafted by the European Union and Japan, that recommends the Security Council refer the DPRK to the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.

China was among the countries that voted against the resolution.

"We are of the view that the UN Security Council is not the right place to discuss human rights issues, and the referral of human rights issues to the International Criminal Court is not conducive to their resolution," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said on Wednesday.

The resolution followed a detailed report released in February by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the DPRK. The report raised widespread concerns over alleged abuses of human rights in the country.

A DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement that the resolution is peppered with "malignant accusations" based on the report, which is a collection of "fabrications" made by "defectors" from the DPRK.

The DPRK has clarified its willingness to show wide-ranging cooperation in the field of human rights and is ready to actively promote dialogue and exchange on the issue, but the "hostile forces" finally chose confrontation rather than cooperation, the statement said.

Pyongyang also warned in the statement that it is compelled by US hostility "not to exercise restraint any longer in conducting a new nuclear test" and that its "war deterrence will grow stronger" to cope with US interventions.

An unidentified DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman said the country's war deterrence will be strengthened in an "unlimited manner" to cope with US hostility, which is "compelling us not to refrain from conducting a new nuclear test any longer".

Pyongyang has used similar language when there has been increased tension in the peninsula.

Satellite imagery

New satellite imagery suggests the DPRK may be firing up a plant to process weapons-grade plutonium.

The images show steam rising from a reprocessing plant at the country's main Yongbyon nuclear complex - a sign consistent with maintenance and testing before commencing operations, the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said.

Analysts say it's unlikely Pyongyang will follow through on its threats to conduct a nuclear test.

Xinhua - AP - AFP

(China Daily 11/21/2014 page11)