08 February 2016

USA: DPRK Missile Launch and Secretary Kerry's Phone Call With RoK and Japanese Foreign Minister's

D.P.R.K. Missile Launch

The United States strongly condemns today’s missile launch by the D.P.R.K. -- a flagrant violation of UN Security Council Resolutions related to the D.P.R.K. use of ballistic missile technology.

This is the second time in just over a month that the D.P.R.K. has chosen to conduct a major provocation, threatening not only the security of the Korean peninsula, but that of the region and the United States as well. We reaffirm our ironclad commitment to the defense of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan. We will continue to work with our partners and members of the UN Security Council on significant measures to hold the D.P.R.K. to account.

Now is the time to do so in a firm and united way, with measures that make clear the determination of the international community to ‎address the pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities by the D.P.R.K. and this most recent destabilizing and unacceptable challenge to our common peace and security.

US State Department - John Kerry

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Secretary Kerry's Phone Call With Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida

The below is attributable to Spokesperson John Kirby:

Secretary Kerry spoke separately this morning via phone with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida regarding the launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea using ballistic missile technology.

The Secretary reaffirmed for both foreign ministers the U.S. ironclad commitment to the security and defense of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and our other allies. The Secretary condemned the launch as a violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions that threatened international peace and security, and he emphasized the importance of a united international response to North Korea's provocations, including through a strong UN Security Council Resolution.

The Secretary also noted the vital importance of continued close communication and cooperation among the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in addressing the threats posed by North Korea.