U.S. condemns N. Korean missile launch, reaffirms diplomatic approach
By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (Yonhap) -- The United States on Monday condemned North Korea's latest missile launch but reaffirmed its commitment to resolve the issue diplomatically.
A spokesperson for the Department of State also urged the North to engage in dialogue.
"The United States condemns the DPRK's ballistic missile launches. These launches are in violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions and pose a threat to the DPRK's neighbors and the international community," the department spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"We remain committed to a diplomatic approach to the DPRK and call on them to engage in dialogue. Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad," the spokesperson said, using South Korea's official name.
The remarks come after North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles on Monday (Seoul time), marking its fourth missile launch since the beginning of the year.
The U.S. has consistently condemned the missile launches as a violation of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
It has also vowed to push for additional UNSC sanctions against North Korea following its first two missile tests this year, which the North claims to have involved a newly developed hypersonic missile.
Shortly before staging its third missile launch of the year last week, Pyongyang said it will be forced to take a "stronger" reaction if the U.S. chooses to take a confrontational stance.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
'Queen of Tears' weaves rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art
-
Ateez member Yunho throws first pitch at MLB match between Dodgers, Mets
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time
-
N. Korea calls envisioned U.S. aid to Ukraine 'hallucinogen'
-
N. Korea calls on party propaganda officials to work harder
-
'Queen of Tears' weaves rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art
-
Experts see possibility of N.K. conducting nuclear test before U.S. presidential vote
-
Details of meeting between Yoon, opposition leader undecided: presidential office
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time
-
Looming weekly closure of major hospitals feared to worsen medical service crisis
-
S. Korea eliminated in Olympic football qualifiers as poor defense, undisciplined play prove costly
-
Indonesia coach left with mixed feelings after eliminating native S. Korea in Olympic football qualifiers
-
(LEAD) 10-man S. Korea lose to Indonesia to miss out on Paris Olympic football qualification
-
ADOR CEO calls conflict with Hybe 'worst experience of my life'
-
S. Korea to acquire SM-3 shipborne missiles by 2030