Voice of America (VOA) reported on the 11th that the US State Department condemned North Korea’s recent short-range ballistic missile launch and called for a return to dialogue and a diplomatic solution.
According to the media, a State Department spokesperson said the day before (local time) in response to a request for comment on the North Korean media’s release of a photo of a short-range ballistic missile launched on the 9th and announcing that it was aimed at an enemy’s imaginary target.
A State Department spokesperson also stated that “these provocations violate a number of UN Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to North Korea’s neighbors and the international community.”
At the same time, a State Department spokesperson ordered, “The United States is committed to a diplomatic approach to North Korea and urges North Korea to engage in dialogue.”
In addition, the spokesperson emphasized that “our commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan remains ironclad.”
When asked, “How do you think North Korea’s provocation will affect the ROK-US ‘Freedom Shield’ joint exercise, which will be held from the 13th?” emphasized that
“The United States does not have any hostile intentions toward North Korea,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier, at a regular briefing on the 9th, State Department spokesman Ned Price criticized North Korea’s short-range missile launch and criticized the international community for posing a threat to neighboring countries.
In response to the question, “Do you believe that North Korea carried out the provocation as a protest against the joint military drills with the United States?” It is because we are in a position to fulfill our security commitments.”
In the midst of this, Pentagon spokesman Martin Maynes confirmed on the 10th that “we are in close consultation with our allies and partners” in response to a written inquiry by VOA.
“While we assessed that this did not pose an immediate threat to individuals, territories or allies of the United States, the missile launch highlights the instability posed by North Korea’s illicit weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs,” Martin said. .
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