In a late Wednesday statement, the US Department of State called out North Korea for its recent attempt to launch a satellite, deeming it a violation of several United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The statement highlighted Washington’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Pyongyang “without preconditions,” emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions.
A spokesperson for the State Department, in an emailed statement, urged North Korea to refrain from “further provocative activities” and encouraged Pyongyang to commit to a sincere diplomatic process.
This appeal comes in the wake of North Korea’s announcement of the launch of a space rocket in the early hours of Thursday, with the aim of deploying an intelligence-gathering satellite.
The launch reportedly faced a setback in its third stage, prompting North Korea to plan for a new launch in October. North Korean authorities indicated that the incident was not a grave issue, downplaying its significance.
This marks the second attempt by Pyongyang this year to launch an artificial satellite into space, following a failed endeavor in May.
Amidst these developments, the international community remains watchful of North Korea’s actions and their implications for regional stability.
The US’ call for diplomacy underscores the importance of open communication channels to address concerns and conflicts effectively.