North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects the defence detachment on Jangjae Islet and the Hero Defence Detachment on Mu Islet located in the southernmost part of the waters off the southwest front, in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency/REUTERS
Reuters: In global appeal, North Korea urges states not to enforce U.N. sanctions
North Korea made a global appeal in a letter released on Friday for states to reconsider enforcing U.N. sanctions on the Asian nation as Washington seeks to step up pressure on Pyongyang to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The United Nations Security Council first imposed sanctions on North Korea in 2006 and has strengthened the measures in response to its five nuclear tests and two long-range rocket launches. Pyongyang is threatening a sixth nuclear test.
In the letter to 192 U.N. members and two observer states - dated Thursday - North Korea urged them to "reconsider any of their implementation activities until the legality of those 'sanctions resolutions' are to be clarified."
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MIDDLE EAST
More than 1,200 'quit Damascus rebel zones' under deal.
SDF: Final push on ISIL's Raqqa 'likely next month'. Kurdish-led forces say they will push on to IS capital.
Coalition: Capture of IS-held town undermines militant group.
As summer heat looms, post-IS Mosul faces water crisis.
Iran candidates exchange barbs in fiery final debate. Iran's Rouhani lashes out at hardliners in blistering final debate before vote.
Yemeni government rejects southern autonomous council.
Israel plans for President Trump's visit.
Trump to back Palestinian 'self-determination' on Mideast trip -aide.
ASIA
Japan's Aso says global economy improving, but uncertainty over U.S. policies.
Exclusive: U.S. complains to China about North Korea's attendance at Silk Road summit.
US intelligence: Afghanistan will 'almost certainly' deteriorate.
North Korea denounces U.S. sanctions bill. North Korea sends protest to US Congress over sanctions.
Trump, South Korea's Moon agree to cooperate on North Korea.
Pakistan blast targets senator's convoy, killing 25. Bomb attack kills at least 25 in Pakistan's Balochistan.
Philippines-China tensions simmer over underwater plateau.
Myanmar army chief compares Rohingya crackdown to Northern Ireland.
New Zealand population surges most since world turmoil of 1974.
AFRICA
Congo election risks delay due to militia violence: commission president.
South African opposition leader says coalition will beat ANC in 2019.
South Sudan's ousted army chief 'in a fighting mood', says president. President seeks to assert South Sudan authority after sacking army chief.
Somalia signs security pact with backers at London talks.
258 Nigerians deported from Libya return home, some in pain.
In Senegal, Iran and Saudi Arabia vie for religious influence.
Torture victim images spur brutality accusations against Uganda's police.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo hit by Ebola outbreak.
EUROPE
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America's 'emotional obsession' with Russia will end soon, Kremlin says.
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Macron to visit Merkel in Berlin on Monday.
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UK Labour leader accuses Theresa May of ‘pandering’ to Trump.
Anxiety mounts as Italy moves to get more migrants out.
AMERICAS
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Top Mexican officials to visit Washington next week.
Trump warns sacked FBI chief over media leaks.
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US Treasury chief to brief key allies on Trump policies.
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TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
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US and China sign trade agreement. China to import poultry, beef in new U.S. trade deal.
