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North Korea Condemns New International Monitoring Plan for Nuclear Program
PYONGYANG — North Korea has issued a sharp rebuke against a newly unveiled international plan to monitor its nuclear weapons development, warning that countries involved in the initiative will “pay a high price.” The plan, announced by the U.S. and 10 other nations, comes amid growing concerns over North Korea’s expanding military operations and heightened regional tensions.
In a statement, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui condemned the initiative, calling it a “challenge to international justice” and “the most blatant violation” of the country’s sovereignty. The new monitoring effort was announced on Wednesday by the U.S., Australia, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The coalition’s initiative follows the end of United Nations’ monitoring of North Korea’s nuclear program after Russia vetoed the continuation of a UN panel of experts in March. The veto has raised alarm among Western nations and their allies, who are concerned about the unchecked development of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
U.S. Explains New Monitoring Mechanism
Speaking at a news conference in Seoul, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell emphasized that the new mechanism is designed to enforce existing UN sanctions on North Korea. “Our preference would have been to continue the previous program put in place by the Security Council,” Campbell said, citing Russia’s obstruction. “That path has been impeded by Russian intransigence.”
According to a memo released by the U.S. State Department, the goal of the new mechanism is the “full implementation of UN sanctions” on North Korea. The monitoring plan will involve the collection and publication of information based on rigorous investigations into violations and attempts to circumvent sanctions.
Rising Tensions on the Korean Peninsula
Tensions between North Korea and Western countries have escalated in recent months. On Wednesday, North Korea announced it would permanently block its border with South Korea, citing “confrontation hysteria” from joint military exercises conducted by South Korean and U.S. forces. Shortly before the announcement, North Korea destroyed sections of roads connecting the two countries, in what appeared to be retaliation for South Korea’s alleged use of drones to distribute anti-Kim Jong-un propaganda in Pyongyang.
The situation has also been complicated by reports that North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to Russia to assist in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian sources allege that these troops are actively participating in the war, marking North Korea’s first involvement in a foreign conflict if confirmed.
The developments highlight the growing isolation of North Korea on the world stage and the increasing military provocations that have stoked fears of conflict on the Korean Peninsula. Western nations, particularly those involved in the new monitoring plan, remain committed to curbing North Korea’s nuclear ambitions amid this volatile landscape.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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