Wednesday, July 5, 2006

In quotes: N Korea missile reaction

** In quotes: N Korea missile reaction **
Key world figures react to the test-launching of a number of missiles by North Korea.


CONDOLEEZZA RICE, US SECRETARY OF STATE

It simply demonstrates that the North Koreans may have perhaps miscalculated...

But in fact there has been a very strong response to their actions, so whatever their motivations, whatever they thought they were doing, they have gotten a very strong reaction from the international community.

SUH CHOO-SUK, SOUTH KOREAN SENIOR SECURITY SECRETARY

By going ahead with the launch despite warnings, North Korea has reinforced a hardline stance against itself in the international community and deepened its isolation.

North Korea must stop provocative activity, immediately return to six-party talks and join international efforts for nuclear non-proliferation... North Korea should be held responsible for all the consequences.

SHINZO ABE, JAPANESE CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY

North Korea has gone ahead with the launch despite international protest. That is regrettable from the standpoint of Japan's security, the stability of international society, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

THOMAS SCHIEFFER, US AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN

We would hope they would cease and desist from these provocative acts. This is no way to advance their foreign policy goals.

LIU JIANCHAO, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

We are seriously concerned about the events that have occurred. We hope that all sides will maintain calm and restraint.

MIKHAIL KAMYNIN, RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Such a provocative action significantly complicates the situation around Korea's nuclear programme. We can say that the missile launches obviously run counter to moves to build trust in the region.

MARGARET BECKETT, BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY

These tests are provocative, and only serve to raise tensions in the region. We strongly urge the government of DPRK [Democratic Peoples Public of Korea] to adhere to its commitment to a moratorium on missile testing.

Continued...

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