The Dalai Lama Weighs In On North Korea

The Dalai Lama has warned that force will not solve the North Korean crisis whilst on a visit to the Northern Irish city of Londonderry.

The Tibetan spiritual leader also made calls for a denuclearised world amid heightened tensions as Pyongyang increases its testing of nuclear missiles.

He said:

"We must seriously make efforts, step-by-step, for a nuclear-free world."

The Dalai Lama made his visit to Derry as part of a charity event.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has also stated that the North Korean nuclear weapons programme must be halted before it develops a nuclear missile capable of reaching the UK.

He said that nuclear war must be avoided “at all costs” whilst stressing the importance of a diplomatic solution.

The United States is currently seeking a vote on a United Nations resolution which would impose the toughest-ever sanctions on North Korea.

The Dali Lama said in his statement:

"Using this force will cause tremendous suffering, particularly South Korea, then to some extent I think Japan also.”

"Unthinkable to use nuclear weapon, unthinkable, now we must seriously make effort step by step, for a nuclear-free world.”

"Then eventually the weapons, I think this world should be a demilitarised world."

However, the 82-year-old also said that this would not be achieved within his lifetime.