Mr Trump addressed 193 diplomats at the UN General Assembly's New York headquarters. AP: Seth Wenig
In US President Donald Trump's first speech to the UN General Assembly, US Donald Trump has vowed to "totally destroy" North Korea unless it backs down from its weapons programs, as he mocks Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong-un as a "rocket man on a suicide mission".
Mr Trump made a direct threat to attack North Korea due to its hostile activities that have included launching ballistic missiles over Japan and conducting underground nuclear tests.
"The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea," Mr Trump said.
As loud, startled murmurs filled the hall, Mr Trump doubled down, referring to Mr Kim by nickname "rocket man" despite the international forum and gravity of the situation.
"Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and his regime."
One man in the audience covered his face with his hands shortly after Mr Trump made his "totally destroy" comment, while Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom crossed her arms.
“The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea”.
Later, Mr Wallstrom told the BBC, “It was the wrong speech, at the wrong time, to the wrong audience”.
0 comments: