This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
On December 12, 2019, North Korea's foreign ministry issued a statement criticizing the United States for convening a UN Security Council meeting.
The meeting was held in response to growing concerns about short-range rockets fired from North Korea, which the US warned could lead to consequences if the isolated state followed through with its promise of a "Christmas gift" by the end of the year.
North Korea's foreign ministry spokesman described the US move as "foolish," saying it would "boomerang on it" and help Pyongyang make a decision on its next steps.
According to the statement carried by the official KCNA news agency, North Korea is seeking a comprehensive deal that includes sanctions relief, but the US has yet to present any concessions.
US ambassador Kelly Craft voiced concern at the UN Security Council meeting that North Korea was indicating it would test intercontinental ballistic missiles, which are designed to attack the continental United States with nuclear weapons.
However, Craft emphasized that the US wants to work towards a deal, but appeared to rule out meeting North Korea's demands for an offer in the final weeks of 2019.
