LONDON – Foreign ministers from the G-8 nations on Thursday condemned North Korea's aggressive rhetoric and the development of its nuclear missile programs, saying that Pyongyang's recent actions threaten international security.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said that if North Korea conducts another missile launch or nuclear test, the G-8 ministers have "committed ourselves" to take further "significant measures" — such as asking for more sanctions at the United Nations Security Council.
In a communiqué following a meeting in London, the G-8 foreign ministers said Pyongyang's "current aggressive rhetoric" will only isolate North Korea. They urged North Korea to refrain from "further provocative acts" and engage in credible talks on abandoning all existing nuclear programs.
The statement added that ministers are concerned about Pyongyang's plans to reopen its Nyongbyon nuclear facility.
The two-day talks among eight world powers focused on North Korea and the civil war in Syria. They also got some celebrity wattage from an appearance by Angelina Jolie, a U.N. special envoy for refugees who has teamed up with Hague to campaign for an end to sexual violence in war.
Calling the issue "the slave trade of our generation," Hague — flanked by Jolie and the U.N. special representative on sexual violence in conflict, Zainab Bangura — announced that G-8 ministers pledged $36 million in additional funding to fight sexual violence in conflict.
