North Korea fired two short-range missiles off its east coast on Tuesday and accused the United States of plotting against its government. North Korea’s actions have prompted international concerns that it is planning to attack South Korea and Japan, moving President Obama to assure the two nations of U.S. support. Reuters
President Obama spoke yesterday with Japanese Prime Minister Aso to review the situation following North Korea’s nuclear test. The President underscored that North Korea’s nuclear test was a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions and therefore warranted a collective response by the international community.
The two leaders agreed that continued close bilateral cooperation is imperative, and decided to intensify coordination with the Republic of Korea as well as with China and Russia. They pledged to work closely in the United Nations Security Council to obtain a resolution with concrete measures to curtail North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities.
President Obama reiterated the United State’s unequivocal commitment to the defense of Japan and to maintaining peace and security in Northeast Asia.
The President also spoke to Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak that evening to consult and coordinate reaction to the North Korean nuclear test. The two Presidents agreed that the test was a reckless violation of international law compelling action in response. President Obama assured President Lee of the unequivocal commitment of the United States to the defense of the Republic of Korea. President Obama expressed his appreciation to President Lee for the decision by the Republic of Korea to join the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). Source: White House Briefing Room