[UN 4 Reuters]-North Korea ’s UN delegation revealed to Reuters that Foreign Minister Li Yong-ho will not attend a general debate at the UN General Assembly late this month. “Schedule reasons” are explained.
For the third consecutive year, Lee has been attending a general debate addressed by leaders and ministers of each country. In the tentative speech list published by the United Nations on July 10, North Korea notified ministerial-level dispatch, but the list on August 30 was downgraded by ministers.
At this year's UN General Assembly, UN Ambassador Kim Sung is expected to give a general debate speech on September 30 in lieu of Foreign Minister Lee. In the speech of each country lasting about one week, North Korea ’s turn is the second from the end.
North Korea ’s United Nations representatives suggested that Lee ’s absence would not make much sense as he had sent delegates at different levels.