NewsThe United States (US) condemns North Korea’s latest nuclear provocation. In a press conference on Tuesday (21/03), Deputy State Department Spokesman of the United States Vedant Patel issued a condemnation of North Korea’s March 19 ballistic missile launch which came just three days after the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
He said the launches were repeated violations of United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions, and were part of a series of launches threatening North Korea’s neighbors.Patel said it was “particularly worrying” that North Korea had characterized Sunday’s launch as a simulated use of a tactical nuclear weapon.He urged all members of the United Nations to fulfill their roles to hold North Korea accountable, adding that now is not the time for countries with influence over the North Korean regime to defend the country with veto power, citing Russia and China.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of Defense said it was closely monitoring North Korea’s missile program.Pentagon Spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder made the remarks Tuesday (21/03) at a press briefing when asked about the possibility of North Korea using underground silos in its latest short-range ballistic missile launches.
Ryder said the US had long known the challenges related to North Korea’s nuclear program, adding that it was being closely monitored by the US.
The Spokesperson also said that the US is in constant consultation with regional allies and partners.North Korea was reported to have launched a tactical ballistic missile on Sunday (19/03) and experts observed North Korea possibly using an underground silo for the missile test, citing a V-shaped flame upon launch.
Source: KBS World