Geneva,
August 30, 2016
The United States strongly condemns North Korea’s latest submarine-launched ballistic missile launch. We call on the DPRK to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further raise tensions in the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its commitments and international obligations. The U.S. commitment to the defense of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, remains ironclad. We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies.
This launch is the latest in an accelerating campaign of missile tests which violate multiple UN Security Council Resolutions explicitly prohibiting North Korea’s launches using ballistic missile technology and pose threats to civil aviation and maritime commerce in the region. These provocations only serve to increase the international community’s resolve to counter the DPRK’s prohibited activities, including through implementing existing UN Security Council resolutions.
North Korea’s continued development of its UN-proscribed nuclear and ballistic missile programs threatens the United States; our allies, Japan and the Republic of Korea; and our partners in the region. We continue to assess the situation in close coordination with our regional allies and partners, and will raise our concerns at the UN and in other fora to bolster international resolve to hold the DPRK accountable for its provocative actions.
(end statement)