On North Korea

What do you think about the events unfolding in North Korea?

I think it has to do with the aftermath of the Korean War; which can drag two superpowers into a nuclear war. Stefano Saliba, 19, Bachelor of Commerce

North Korea seems like it is dangerously close to crossing a line, not just with the US, but also other countries, which may lead to chaos. John Paul Azzopardi, 20, Mcast-Btec Higher National Diploma in Electronic Engineering

At the moment, tensions are high and it seems war might break out. Benjamin Micallef, 21, Mcast-Btec Higher National Diploma in Electronic Engineering

Could North Korean actions have imminent disastrous effects?

Yes, because North Korea wants to take over South Korea, just like what happened to Vietnam in the 1960s with the fall of Saigon. Stefano Saliba

North Korea can be unpredictable at times, as recent events show, so its actions should be taken seriously. It cannot be ignored when innocent lives are at risk. John Paul Azzopardi

North Korea’s rhetoric has caught the attention of the UN and the Western world. However, unless North Korea actually exercises the ‘state of war’ which it has officially entered into, South Korea and the US will wait patiently to see what happens. Media reports do not show that the North Korean army is mobilising, so until they do, war does not seem likely. Benjamin Micallef

Do you think new UN sanctions, such as the financial restrictions and imported cargo inspections, if implemented, could make a difference? Or has enough been done?

Even though North Korea is part of the UN, it will not abide by UN sanctions, which can lead to war. Stefano Saliba

Sometimes restricting one’s movements and limitations might cause more tension and can accelerate North Korea’s actions, if they are to be taken seriously. A more diplomatic approach should be taken. John Paul Azzopardi

North Korea is run by a dictatorship. Poverty and famine is rife across the country and the population is dependent on foreign aid. The unwillingness of North Korea to comply with the UN-enforced decision to disarm its nuclear weapons programme is not affecting the leadership but the population. It is not too late to comply with the sanctions and pursue real economic development. Benjamin Micallef

Interviews conducted by Insite – The Student Media Organisation.