Johnson calls on Putin to protect 'world peace' and stop threat of North Korea
BORIS Johnson has called on Russia and China to use "whatever influence they posses" and pursuade North Korea to halt its nuclear weapons programme.
The foreign secretary said the current situation in the Korean peninsula "could hardly be a clearer threat to world peace", and called on all UN nations to reinforce sanctions against Pyongyang in a bid to bring about a peace.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting in New York, Mr Johnson said Beijing and Moscow had a "vital role" to play in resolving the tensions that threaten to boil over into nuclear war.
Mr Johnson told a UN Security Council meeting in New York: "The UK believes its vital for this council to stand ready to take further significant measures to bring about a peaceful resolution.
"North Korea must realise that their isolation not only holds back their own people - if the regime really cares about their own people - but also weakens their own grip on power.
"We urge other partners with influence on North Korea to use their leverage to full."
North Korea must realise that their isolation not only holds back their own people - if the regime really cares about their own people - but also weakens their own grip on power
He added: "There's a vital role for China and Russia, with influence over Pongyang, as full members of this council.
"The UK calls on Russia and China to use whatever influence they possess to get leaders to agree a peaceful solution."
Mr Johnson also called for every UN member state to "reinforce their commitment to sanctions aginst North Korea", saying not every country was doing so.
He said: "Britain stands alongside our allies in making sure North Korea must obey the UN and halt it's balistic missile and nuclear weapons programme.
"Only then can this council be reassured of the peace and stability of the region."
Mr Johnson's plea comes as US president warned of the possibility of a "major, major conflict" with North Korea if diplomacy fails.
Speaking ahead of his 100th day in office, Mr Trump said he would "love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult".
But North Korean leader Ki Jong-Un has continued the sabre-rattling by declaring the situation was "inching towards explosion".
He said he would “wipe out” his enemies if they fired even a single bullet towards North Korea.
The despot told state media: “Should the US imperialists and the south Korean puppet forces open even a single fire into the inviolable territorial land, waters and air of the DPRK, its revolutionary armed forces will promptly mount annihilating strike and wipe out the aggressors to the last man.
“Those who have intent to provoke the DPRK even a bit can never go scot-free whoever they are and wherever they might be.”