N Korea: US will suffer ‘greatest ever pain’

THE United States faces the ‘ greatest pain and suffering’ in its history if the UN approves harsh sanctions on North Korea, the country warned last night.

Kim Jong-un’s foreign ministry said it would ‘make absolutely sure that the US pays due price’ if measures restricting its oil supply and textiles exports were passed.

It is the latest in an escalating war of words after it emerged North Korea had carried out its sixth and biggest nuclear test a week ago.

The US-drafted resolution had reportedly been watered down on Sunday in the hope of winning support from China and Russia.

All five of the UN Security Council’s permanent members, which also include France and the UK, must unanimously back the resolution for it to come into force.

A North Korea spokesman accused the US of ‘going frantic’ in manipulating the Security Council over its ‘legitimate’ nuclear test, adding: ‘In case the US eventually does rig up the illegal and unlawful “resolution” on harsher sanctions, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) shall make absolutely sure that the US pays due price.

‘The forthcoming measures to be taken by the DPRK will cause the US the greatest pain and suffering it has ever gone through in its entire history.’

Last week, Pyongyang drew international criticism after claiming it tested a hydrogen bomb that could go on an intercontinental missile capable of hitting the US mainland.

The permanent members had agreed that North Korea should face tougher sanctions, but differences have since opened up between them. China is unlikely to back firm action that could see its historic ally toppled, while Russia is opposed to an oil embargo.

The latest resolution would cap the North’s imports of refined petroleum products and crude oil, while still banning textile exports.