Emergency UN talks on Korean tensions

THE UN Security Council met in emergency session yesterday amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and a North Korean warning of a “catastrophe” if South Korea goes ahead with a live-fire drill.

Russia called for the meeting, and Moscow wants the UN’s most powerful body to adopt a statement calling on North Korea and South Korea “to exercise maximum restraint” and urging immediate diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.

Russia borders North Korea and after China, is considered the country with the closest ties to the reclusive communist government in Pyongyang.