The White House and the current administration are getting in some last headlines these last few weeks. After pulling out of the Persian Gulf, creating a diplomatic tiff accusing Russia of hacking and letting the Chinese steal the navy’s drone, the State department is still “giving orders” to all who might be tempted to listen.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in New Year's Day speech on television, “We are in the final stages of test-launching the intercontinental ballistic missile… Research and development of cutting edge arms equipment is actively progressing and ICBM rocket test launch preparation is in its last stage.”
In response to that statement, State Department spokeswoman Anna Richey-Allen warned North Korea “to refrain from provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric that threaten international peace and stability, and to make the strategic choice to fulfill its international obligations and commitments and return to serious talks.”
She urged “All states to use every available channel and means of influence to make clear to the DPRK and its enablers that launches using ballistic missile technology are unacceptable, and take steps to show there are consequences to the DPRK's unlawful conduct,” reported Reuters.
North Korea carried out two nuclear tests in 2016, and has been under sanctions since 2006. The UN voted to impose new sanctions on the country in November, following its repeated nuclear tests.
The lion’s share of North Korea’s budget is spent on its nuclear program and the rest of the country remains severely undeveloped with a lack of food for its inhabitants. But priorities are priorities! Oh and as for the State Department's warning, I'm sure Kim is shaking and can't sleep at night!