(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in the United States believe the United Nations (UN) Security Council will be unable to properly respond to North Korea’s recent missile launch, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. Only 34 per cent of respondents think effective action is likely to happen.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in the United States believe the United Nations (UN) Security Council will be unable to properly respond to North Korea’s recent missile launch, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. Only 34 per cent of respondents think effective action is likely to happen.
Kim Jong-il has been the de-facto leader of North Korea since the death of his father, Kim Il Song, in 1994. North Korea was branded as part of an "axis of evil" by then U.S. president George W. Bush in January 2002. In February 2005, the government of North Korea admitted publicly for the first time that it possesses nuclear weapons.
In July 2006, North Korea launched seven missiles—including the Taepodong-2—which landed in the Sea of Japan close to Russian coastal areas. In October 2006, the country announced it had successfully carried out a test detonation of a nuclear weapon.
On Apr. 5, North Korea launched its long-range rocket, claiming it was used to place a satellite into orbit which is broadcasting "immortal revolutionary songs" and anthems praising Kim. On that same day, U.S. president Barack Obama declared: "North Korea broke the rules once again by testing a rocket that could be used for long-range missiles. This provocation underscores the need for action."
The UN Security Council is in charge of maintaining peace and security between nations, issuing specific resolutions that governments must adhere to under the terms of the UN Charter. The internal organ currently has five permanent members—Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States—as well as 10 non-permanent members who are chosen for two-year terms.
On Apr. 13, all 15 members of the UN Security Council endorsed a statement that "condemns" the rocket launch, and deems it "in contravention of Security Council Resolution 1718 of 2006," which banned any missile tests by North Korea.
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a communiqué, which claims the UN "rampantly" infringes upon the country’s sovereignty and states: "We have no choice but to further strengthen our nuclear deterrent to cope with additional military threats by hostile forces. (…) The six-party talks that we are taking part in are not necessary any more."
The six-party talks—which involve China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea and the United States—started in 2003 and are aimed at seeking a resolution to the security concerns raised by North Korea’s nuclear program.
Polling Data
In response to North Korea’s recent missile launch, how likely is it that the United Nations Security Council will take effective action against North Korea?
|
Very likely |
8% |
|
Somewhat likely |
26% |
|
Not very likely |
36% |
|
Not at all likely |
23% |
|
Not sure |
7% |
Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Apr. 7 and Apr. 8, 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
