Seoul : US President Barack Obama warned North Korea and Iran yesterday that their options are few, and their friends fewer, as those nations refuse to back down from actions the world sees as menacing.
"By now it should be clear," Obama said, addressing North Korea from Seoul. "Your provocations and pursuit of nuclear weapons have not achieved the security you seek, they have undermined it. Instead of the dignity you desire, you are more isolated."
Obama also reiterated his warning to Iran, which the US and its allies contend is defying its international obligations by pursuing an illicit nuclear programme.
"Iran's leaders must understand that there is no escaping the choice before it. Iran must act with the seriousness and sense of urgency that this moment demands," Obama said. "Iran must meet its obligations."
South Korea warning
South Korea warned they might shoot down parts of a North Korean rocket if they fell over South Korean territory, as worries about what Washington calls a long-range missile test overshadowed the nuclear security summit. The summit of more than 50 nations opened with a dinner yesterday.
General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended the reception hosted by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak at Convention and Exhibition Centre in Seoul in honour of the heads and representatives of delegations attending the summit.
Earlier, the South Korean President welcomed Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, and other members of the UAE delegation.
The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince exchanged views with a number of presidents and heads of the delegations taking part in the summit, on the importance of such gatherings to address the issues of nuclear security.
