12 Dec 2017

Samoa looks to South Korea for protection from nuclear attack

8:36 pm on 12 December 2017

Samoa's prime minister says Samoa and other Pacific island nations are looking to South Korea to protect the region in the event of a nuclear missile attack by North Korea.

This picture from KCNA - taken on 29 August and released on 30 August - shows North Korea's Hwasong-12 lifting off from an undisclosed location near Pyongyang.

This picture from KCNA - taken on 29 August and released on 30 August - shows North Korea's Hwasong-12 lifting off from an undisclosed location near Pyongyang. Photo: AFP / KCNA via KNS

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said this was among topics discussed at recent talks held in the South Korean capital Seoul.

He told reporters at his weekly media briefing on Friday it was hoped there'd be a plan on the issue soon.

Tuila'epa denies an attempt was made to overthrow him

Tuila'epa denies an attempt was made to overthrow him Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Tuilaepa, who is chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, referred to the leadership of North Korea as "a bit off in the head".

He said the issue was of major concern particularly as another test was launched by Pyongyang during the Seoul visit.

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