Obama Responds to North Korea’s Nuclear Test
The United States has termed North Korea’s September 9 nuclear test a grave threat to regional security and to international peace and stability. According to a White House communiqué released Friday, North Korea stands out as the only country to have tested nuclear weapons this century.
The test, North Korea’s second this year, follows an unprecedented campaign of ballistic missile launches, which North Korea claims are intended to serve as delivery vehicles for nuclear weapons targeting the United States and its allies, the Republic of Korea and Japan.
As Commander in Chief, President Obama said he has a responsibility to safeguard the American people and ensure that the United States is leading the international community in responding to this threat and North Korea’s other provocations with commensurate resolve and condemnation.
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The communiqué stated that the United States does not, and never will, accept North Korea as a nuclear state. Far from achieving its stated national security and economic development goals, North Korea’s provocative and destabilizing actions have instead served to isolate and impoverish its people through its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities, it was stated.
The nuclear test, according to Obama, is a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council Resolutions. He said it makes clear North Korea’s disregard for international norms and standards for behavior and demonstrates it has no interest in being a responsible member of the international community.
