01 May 2017

News Story: Asean extremely worried over North Korea-US tensions

By Christina Mendez

Rody urges US restraint to prevent war

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte said yesterday the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was extremely worried about tensions between the United States and North Korea, pointing out that one misstep would be a “catastrophe” and Asia would be the first victim of a nuclear war.

“The countries of the ASEAN are extremely worried. There seems to be two countries playing with toys. Those toys are not really to entertain,” the President said at a press conference at the conclusion of the 30th ASEAN summit at the PICC in Pasay City last night.

Duterte urged the US to show restraint after North Korea’s latest missile test and to avoid playing into the hands of leader Kim Jong Un, who “wants to end the world.”

The US, Japan, South Korea and China, he said, were sparring with a man who was excited about the prospect of firing missiles.

Duterte said he was due to speak by telephone to US President Donald Trump last night. He said he would urge Trump not to get into a confrontation with Kim.

Read the full story at PhilStar