We’ll destroy you
Trump issues ultimate threat to N Korea in UN speech
DONALD Trump used his maiden address to the United Nations to level his strongest warning to North Korea, saying he would “totally destroy” the rogue nation if it continues testing nuclear weapons.
The 42-minute speech featured threats, name-calling, a broad attack on socialism and an overarching “America first” theme.
“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,” he said. “Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime.”
Mr Trump reserved his strongest language for “rogue nations” including North Korea, Iran and South American dictatorship of Venezuela, calling on the UN to work harder to police their behaviour.
“If the righteous many do not confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph,” Mr Trump said. “When decent people and nations become bystanders to history, the forces of destruction only gather power and strength.”
North Korea refused to listen to what Mr Trump had to say, with its UN ambassador, Ja Song-nam, leaving the general assembly before the US President began speaking.
In perhaps his most important speech on the international stage, Mr Trump backed down on earlier criticism of the UN, which he had described as “a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time”.
“Our success depends on a coalition of strong and independent nations that embrace their sovereignty to promote security, prosperity, and peace for themselves and for the world,” he said.
“We do not expect diverse countries to share the same cultures, traditions, or even systems of government. But we do expect all nations to uphold these two core sovereign duties: to respect the interests of their own people and the rights of every other sovereign nation.
“This is the beautiful vision of this institution, and this is foundation for co-operation and success.”
The speech, which Mr Trump appeared to read from a teleprompter, won praise from world leaders.
“In over 30 years in my experience with the UN, I never heard a bolder or more courageous speech,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who met with Mr Trump for the first time over a lunch also attended by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and the US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, said “parts of the President’s speech had been warmly received”.
“If you were present, there were times when there was spontaneous applause,” she said.
Mr Trump’s critics said the speech wasn’t appropriate for the UN.