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Donald Trump at UN: US may 'have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea' – live Donald Trump at UN: US may 'have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea' – live
(35 minutes later)
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The presidents of four countries have just spoken in favor of working together to end conflict and strife and warned of threats facing their countries and the world.
Slovakia’s president Andrej Kiska spoke about the importance of working together to address crises like famine and conflict and putting aside “egoism” in responding to the world’s problems.
“North Korea openly threatens our world with nuclear weapons,” he said. “Such disrespect to human life cannot be tolerated”.
He stepped down and was replaced by Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari, who talked about the threats of Isis and Boko Haram. He called for the empowerment of women and free and fair elections. “Our faith in democracy remains firm and unshaken,” Buhari said.
The Czech Republic’s president Miloš Zeman ended his speech with a quote: “If I knew there would be doomsday tomorrow I would go today and plant my apple tree”. It is a reference to a quote attributed to Martin Luther, that may have actually originated with church members opposed to Nazi rule in Germany.
And Liberia’s president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf just ended her speech. She is the first female president of Africa and highlighted the progress the country has made during her rule. Sirleaf has announced she will step down and the election for her successor is next month. “Liberia is your post-conflict success story,” she said.
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On Twitter, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders just highlighted a quote by Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama.
Presidents have always been clear to deter threats: “We could, obviously, destroy North Korea with our arsenals” -@BarackObama last year
People quickly responded to Sanders with the next line of Obama’s quote: “But aside from the humanitarian costs of that, they are right next door to our vital ally, Republic of Korea”.
The second line highlights the impact a war with North Korea could have on South Korea, whose capital city of Seoul is just 35 miles south of the demilitarized zone, the heavily armed border between the north and the south. There are 10 million people in Seoul and 28,500 US troops in South Korea.
Trump’s remarks were delivered around midnight in the Korean peninsula.
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Netanyahu praises Trump's 'brave and clear' speechNetanyahu praises Trump's 'brave and clear' speech
Peter BeaumontPeter Beaumont
Our Jerusalem correspondent, Peter Beaumont, has reaction to Trump’s speech from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Our Jerusalem correspondent, Peter Beaumont, has reaction to Trump’s speech from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He says Netanyahu “could have written the section on Iran so closely does it ally with his own views on the threat posed by Tehran”.He says Netanyahu “could have written the section on Iran so closely does it ally with his own views on the threat posed by Tehran”.
Praising Trump, ahead of his own speech later this afternoon, Netanyahu said:Praising Trump, ahead of his own speech later this afternoon, Netanyahu said:
In my more than 30 years at the UN, I have never heard such a brave and clear speech. President Trump told the truth about the world’s lurking dangers, and called for them to be addressed with fortitude, to ensure the future of humanity.In my more than 30 years at the UN, I have never heard such a brave and clear speech. President Trump told the truth about the world’s lurking dangers, and called for them to be addressed with fortitude, to ensure the future of humanity.
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The president of the Switzerland confederation, Doris Leuthard, opens by speaking about the world’s greatest challenges, like famine, and says that “no one country” can solve these issues on their own.The president of the Switzerland confederation, Doris Leuthard, opens by speaking about the world’s greatest challenges, like famine, and says that “no one country” can solve these issues on their own.
“The purpose of the UN is to maintain international peace and security,” she says, taking a moment to speak in English, though most of her address is in French.“The purpose of the UN is to maintain international peace and security,” she says, taking a moment to speak in English, though most of her address is in French.
She makes a clear allusion to Trump, saying that country’s cannot solve the world’s issues on their own and that she is a patriot, which is why she believes in a strong UN.She makes a clear allusion to Trump, saying that country’s cannot solve the world’s issues on their own and that she is a patriot, which is why she believes in a strong UN.
She then continues her address in French, touching on the need to reduce sexual exploitation (an effort which Switzerland is contributing funds to the UN to end), and to help resolve the conflict in Libya.She then continues her address in French, touching on the need to reduce sexual exploitation (an effort which Switzerland is contributing funds to the UN to end), and to help resolve the conflict in Libya.
“To each his own” is not a viable way of responding to global issues, says Leuthard, concluding her speech.“To each his own” is not a viable way of responding to global issues, says Leuthard, concluding her speech.
A reminder: Switzerland has no head of state, but instead a committee of seven elected leaders, known as the Federal Council.A reminder: Switzerland has no head of state, but instead a committee of seven elected leaders, known as the Federal Council.
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Condé also speaks about terrorism, saying it can only be eradicated if poverty ends.Condé also speaks about terrorism, saying it can only be eradicated if poverty ends.
He advocates for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestine conflict. He reaffirms the republic’s support of the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.He advocates for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestine conflict. He reaffirms the republic’s support of the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
“African young people and women are determined to write a new page in the history of humanity,” he says, asking for the UN to help make that happen.“African young people and women are determined to write a new page in the history of humanity,” he says, asking for the UN to help make that happen.
He ends the speech with a call of support for the Paris climate deal and a request for increased international aid to Sierra Leone.He ends the speech with a call of support for the Paris climate deal and a request for increased international aid to Sierra Leone.
Switzerland is next.Switzerland is next.
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After a five-minute break, the group has reassembled.After a five-minute break, the group has reassembled.
Now up, Guinea’s president, Alpha Condé.Now up, Guinea’s president, Alpha Condé.
“The fact Africa is lagging behind will not always be the case,” he says.“The fact Africa is lagging behind will not always be the case,” he says.
He calls for diversified economies in Africa through investment in energy, infrastructure and agriculture.He calls for diversified economies in Africa through investment in energy, infrastructure and agriculture.
He says Africans “yearn for prosperity,” especially the country’s youth.He says Africans “yearn for prosperity,” especially the country’s youth.
“Africa has decide to take responsibility for itself and to speak henceforth with one voice,” he says, speaking at length about the impact of the African Union.“Africa has decide to take responsibility for itself and to speak henceforth with one voice,” he says, speaking at length about the impact of the African Union.
He says the UN security council “no longer reflects current realities” and bemoans the lack of significant African representation on the council. He calls for an enlargement of the council to include African representatives selected by the African Union.He says the UN security council “no longer reflects current realities” and bemoans the lack of significant African representation on the council. He calls for an enlargement of the council to include African representatives selected by the African Union.
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While Trump’s speech touched on myriad topics including migration, terrorism and the threatened destruction of North Korea, but speech-watchers note he missed several other key topics swirling at this year’s UN general assembly.While Trump’s speech touched on myriad topics including migration, terrorism and the threatened destruction of North Korea, but speech-watchers note he missed several other key topics swirling at this year’s UN general assembly.
Missing from @realDonaldTrump's speech at #UNGA? Criticism of Russia. Hardly mentioned.Missing from @realDonaldTrump's speech at #UNGA? Criticism of Russia. Hardly mentioned.
No mention of situation in #Myanmar or of #climatechange in @potus speech at #UNGA pic.twitter.com/NTRUhvhSbPNo mention of situation in #Myanmar or of #climatechange in @potus speech at #UNGA pic.twitter.com/NTRUhvhSbP
What Trump failed to address: Palestinian-Israeli peace process and climate change. #UNGAWhat Trump failed to address: Palestinian-Israeli peace process and climate change. #UNGA
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Trump finishes speech after 41 minutesTrump finishes speech after 41 minutes
Trump speaks about the US middle class, saying they will be “forgotten no more”.Trump speaks about the US middle class, saying they will be “forgotten no more”.
He heralds the importance of patriotism, again emphasizing that countries can only resolve global conflict if they protect themselves and their interests first.He heralds the importance of patriotism, again emphasizing that countries can only resolve global conflict if they protect themselves and their interests first.
“Now we are calling for a great reawakening of nations,” he says.“Now we are calling for a great reawakening of nations,” he says.
“We need to defeat the enemies of humanity and unlock the potential of life itself,” he says.“We need to defeat the enemies of humanity and unlock the potential of life itself,” he says.
Trump thanks the audience and concludes, after about 41 minutes and 20 seconds, by saying: “God bless you, God bless the nations of the world, and God bless the United states of America”.Trump thanks the audience and concludes, after about 41 minutes and 20 seconds, by saying: “God bless you, God bless the nations of the world, and God bless the United states of America”.
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Trump briefly winds down his speech to speak about the need to empower “women entrepreneurs,” earning applause, before becoming angry again to talk about the US contributions to the UN.Trump briefly winds down his speech to speak about the need to empower “women entrepreneurs,” earning applause, before becoming angry again to talk about the US contributions to the UN.
He says the US carries an “unfair burden” with the resources it provides to the UN.He says the US carries an “unfair burden” with the resources it provides to the UN.
Trump then attacks Cuba and the government of Venezuela. He says people need to do more to address the situation there.Trump then attacks Cuba and the government of Venezuela. He says people need to do more to address the situation there.
He begins the 34th minute of his speech with a critique of communism.He begins the 34th minute of his speech with a critique of communism.
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Trump’s speaks loudly again as he discusses the threat of international terrorism.Trump’s speaks loudly again as he discusses the threat of international terrorism.
He says the US is working with its allies in the Middle East to “crush” terrorists.He says the US is working with its allies in the Middle East to “crush” terrorists.
“Our country has achieved more against Isis in the last eight months,” says Trump, then it has in the years before combined. It’s unclear what measure he is using for achievement.“Our country has achieved more against Isis in the last eight months,” says Trump, then it has in the years before combined. It’s unclear what measure he is using for achievement.
He thanks Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon for hosting refugees.He thanks Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon for hosting refugees.
“The United States is a compassionate nation,” he says, before launching into a defense of his government’s efforts to reduce the refugee cap in the US.“The United States is a compassionate nation,” he says, before launching into a defense of his government’s efforts to reduce the refugee cap in the US.
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On Kim Jong-un: 'Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for him and his regime'On Kim Jong-un: 'Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for him and his regime'
“Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for him and his regime,” says Trump, referring to Kim Jong-Un. He continues to say he hopes we don’t have to destroy North Korea.“Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for him and his regime,” says Trump, referring to Kim Jong-Un. He continues to say he hopes we don’t have to destroy North Korea.
He has moved on to Iran, saying the nuclear deal is “an embarrassment to the United States”.He has moved on to Iran, saying the nuclear deal is “an embarrassment to the United States”.
Trump has been speaking for more than 20 minutes.Trump has been speaking for more than 20 minutes.
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'US may have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea''US may have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea'
He says the member states must work together to confront “rogue regimes”.He says the member states must work together to confront “rogue regimes”.
“If the righteous many do not confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph,” he says“If the righteous many do not confront the wicked few, then evil will triumph,” he says
14 minutes into the speech, Trump mentions North Korea, speaking about the death of American student Otto Warmbier after being detained by the North Korean government.14 minutes into the speech, Trump mentions North Korea, speaking about the death of American student Otto Warmbier after being detained by the North Korean government.
He says the “entire world” is threatened by the nuclear threat in North Korea.He says the “entire world” is threatened by the nuclear threat in North Korea.
“If it [the US] forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea,” Trump says.“If it [the US] forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea,” Trump says.
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'We want harmony and friendship, not conflict and strife''We want harmony and friendship, not conflict and strife'
Trump says the United States will no longer be taken advantage of in deals it makes with other countries.Trump says the United States will no longer be taken advantage of in deals it makes with other countries.
“Our citizens have paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom,” he says. They have also fought to defend other countries represented in the room, he says.“Our citizens have paid the ultimate price to defend our freedom,” he says. They have also fought to defend other countries represented in the room, he says.
“It is an eternal credit to the American character,” that we have fought wars abroad but have not “sought territorial expansion” and not imposed our way of life on other people.“It is an eternal credit to the American character,” that we have fought wars abroad but have not “sought territorial expansion” and not imposed our way of life on other people.
“We want harmony and friendship, not conflict and strife,” he says.“We want harmony and friendship, not conflict and strife,” he says.
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Trump: I will always put America firstTrump: I will always put America first
Trump speaks about protecting the rights given by God, emphasizing the word “God” and pausing before he continues.Trump speaks about protecting the rights given by God, emphasizing the word “God” and pausing before he continues.
“In America, we do not seek to impose our life on anyone,” he says but the US wants to shine as an example.“In America, we do not seek to impose our life on anyone,” he says but the US wants to shine as an example.
He says he was elected to give power to the people “where it belongs”.He says he was elected to give power to the people “where it belongs”.
“As president of the United States” he will always put America first, he says. He gets louder, saying that’s what all countries should do. He gets some claps for that remark.“As president of the United States” he will always put America first, he says. He gets louder, saying that’s what all countries should do. He gets some claps for that remark.
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Trump talks about citizens needing to be able to achieve their dreams and for children to be able to live in a world without hate.Trump talks about citizens needing to be able to achieve their dreams and for children to be able to live in a world without hate.
“The success of the United Nations depends on the independent strength of its members,” he says.“The success of the United Nations depends on the independent strength of its members,” he says.
He acknowledges that all countries have different goals, but the “beautiful vision” that led to the creation of the UN allows people to work side-by-side. Trump has criticized the UN repeatedly in the past.He acknowledges that all countries have different goals, but the “beautiful vision” that led to the creation of the UN allows people to work side-by-side. Trump has criticized the UN repeatedly in the past.
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Trump highlights breakthroughs in technology and medicine. Then says every day is filled with new threats.Trump highlights breakthroughs in technology and medicine. Then says every day is filled with new threats.
“Rogue regimes” support terrorists and threaten other countries.“Rogue regimes” support terrorists and threaten other countries.
“Authority and authoritarian powers seek to collapse” systems and alliances that “tiled the war toward freedom” after the second world war, he says.“Authority and authoritarian powers seek to collapse” systems and alliances that “tiled the war toward freedom” after the second world war, he says.
“We meet at a time of both immense promise and great peril,” he says.“We meet at a time of both immense promise and great peril,” he says.
Saying it’s up to “us” whether the world “is lifted to new heights” or “a valley of disrepair”.Saying it’s up to “us” whether the world “is lifted to new heights” or “a valley of disrepair”.
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Trump begins speech to UN and touts US economyTrump begins speech to UN and touts US economy
US president Donald Trump is making his debut speech to the general assembly, saying it is a “profound honor” to represent the American people from his home city.US president Donald Trump is making his debut speech to the general assembly, saying it is a “profound honor” to represent the American people from his home city.
He expresses thanks to all the world leaders who have offered help and condolences in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Thankfully, he says, the US is doing well.He expresses thanks to all the world leaders who have offered help and condolences in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Thankfully, he says, the US is doing well.
The economy is at an “all-time high”. He says the country is experiencing job growth like it has not seen “in a very long time”.The economy is at an “all-time high”. He says the country is experiencing job growth like it has not seen “in a very long time”.
“Our military will soon be the strongest it has ever been,” he says.“Our military will soon be the strongest it has ever been,” he says.
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Temer speaks about international terrorism and organized crime. He speaks about the need for countries to commit to human rights.Temer speaks about international terrorism and organized crime. He speaks about the need for countries to commit to human rights.
“We reject racism,” Temer says. “We reject xenophobia in all its forms”.“We reject racism,” Temer says. “We reject xenophobia in all its forms”.
He expresses concern about the crisis in Venezuela and says Brazil stands with the people of Venezuela. “There is no more room for alternatives to democracy,” he says.He expresses concern about the crisis in Venezuela and says Brazil stands with the people of Venezuela. “There is no more room for alternatives to democracy,” he says.
Temer has just wrapped up, which means Trump is next on stage.Temer has just wrapped up, which means Trump is next on stage.
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Brazil’s president Michel Temer is now addressing the general assembly.Brazil’s president Michel Temer is now addressing the general assembly.
“Today we certainly need the UN more than before, and I’m talking about a UN that is increasingly effective,” he says.“Today we certainly need the UN more than before, and I’m talking about a UN that is increasingly effective,” he says.
But, reform is still needed, Temer says. He wants the security council expanded.But, reform is still needed, Temer says. He wants the security council expanded.
He says protectionist countries threaten progress and development. “We reject exacerbated forms of nationalism,” Temer says.He says protectionist countries threaten progress and development. “We reject exacerbated forms of nationalism,” Temer says.
He expresses support for the Paris climate agreement and says Brazil is at the forefront with its “low-carbon economy”. He touts a reduction in deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.He expresses support for the Paris climate agreement and says Brazil is at the forefront with its “low-carbon economy”. He touts a reduction in deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
Temer advocates for nuclear disarmament, saying Brazil has shown it could master nuclear weapons, but chooses not to have them.Temer advocates for nuclear disarmament, saying Brazil has shown it could master nuclear weapons, but chooses not to have them.
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