Politics

Julie Bishop joins political slanging match with security warning

Sep 23, 2017

Australia's foreign minister Julie Bishop talks to media while attending the United Nationals General Assembly in New York.

First Kim John-un called Donald Trump a “mentally deranged US dotard”. North Korea also threatened to test a hydrogen bomb in the pacific yesterday.

Then Trump said the North Korean Leader was “obviously a madman”.

Kim Jong Un of North Korea, who is obviously a madman who doesn't mind starving or killing his people, will be tested like never before!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 22, 2017

Now Julie Bishop has fired her own harsh shots, albeit with less name calling.

While speaking as Australia’s delegation at this week’s General Assembly, filling in for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, she said the actions of Kim John-un are threatening security of millions of people.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZRsYxknhjH/?hl=en&taken-by=juliebishopmp

The Australian Foreign Minister used her address at the event to call on China, Russia, United Kingdom, France and the United States to ensure sanctions against the regime were enforced.

“It is crucial that all United Nations member states and especially the permanent five, who have a particular responsibility, strictly implement these sanctions to compel North Korea to abandon its illegal programs,” Ms Bishop told the General Assembly in New York, reports The Australian.

“The authority of the council must be defended and upheld.

“Australia will play our part in helping to resolve this crisis.”

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho is scheduled to speak later today.

Bishop also went against Trump on his thoughts on the Paris Climate Accord. While he’s said the US has pledged to leave, she said Australia will be endorsing it.

“Australia is a strong supporter of the Paris agreement, and here at the United Nations we have voiced our support specifically on risk mitigation for coral reefs, which are among the most valuable environments on our planet,” she said.

“They support more biodiversity than almost any other ecosystem, they’re vital to the worlds fisheries, protect our coastlines and generate significant tourism revenue.”