Obama: Pyongyang's Nuclear Program A Global Threat

[HuffingtonPost]

 

By Roberta Rampton                

WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama  said a nuclear test by North Korea was a "highly provocative  act" that hurt regional stability, calling Pyongyang's nuclear  program a threat to the United States, its allies, and to  international security.                

"The danger posed by North Korea's threatening activities  warrants further swift and credible action by the international  community. The United States will also continue to take steps  necessary to defend ourselves and our allies," Obama said in a  statement.                

North Korea's third-ever nuclear test came less than 24  hours before Obama was slated to give his annual State of the  Union address, a televised speech viewed by millions of  Americans that is now almost certain to refer to North Korea's  actions.                

"This is a highly provocative act," Obama said, noting the  test violated North Korea's obligations under United Nations and  other international agreements.                

North Korea is banned under U.N. Security Council  resolutions from developing nuclear and missile technology. The  tests drew condemnation from around the world.                

The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on  North Korea's apparent nuclear test at 9:00 a.m. EST (1400 GMT)  on Tuesday where the United States, South Korea and others could  begin the lengthy process of pressing for more sanctions on  Pyongyang.                

"We will strengthen close coordination with allies and  partners and work with our Six-Party partners, the United  Nations Security Council, and other UN member states to pursue  firm action," Obama said.                

The six-party talks between China, the United States, North  and South Korea, Japan, and Russia are aimed at ending North  Korea's nuclear program.     (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by John Stonestreet)

Via: HuffingtonPost