US: N Korea wasting money amid hunger

WASHINGTON – The United States said North Korea’s rocket launch may have failed but the attempt is a concern to the international community. 

In a statement, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said North Korea’s “attempted missile launch” was a provocation.

“Despite the failure of its attempted missile launch, North Korea’s provocative action threatens regional security, violates international law and contravenes its own recent commitments.”

Defying international warnings, Pyongyang launched a rocket early Friday, April 13. The US, South Korea and Japan however said the rocket failed in the first minutes after take-off.

The US believes the rocket launch was a veiled test of a long-range ballistic missile. North Korea however maintains that the rocket was meant to launch a satellite into orbit to mark the 100^th anniversary of the birth of national founder Kim Il-Sung. 

The White House said, “North Korea is only further isolating itself by engaging in provocative acts, and is wasting its money on weapons and propaganda displays while the North Korean people go hungry.”

Wire agencies quoted an unnamed US official as saying that the rocket launch halts Washington’s planned food aid to Pyongyang. 

The White House said developing missiles and pursuing nuclear weapons will not bring North Korea security.

“North Korea will only show strength and find security by abiding by international law, living up to its obligations, and by working to feed its citizens, to educate its children, and to win the trust of its neighbors.”

The US said it will remain vigilant and committed to securing its allies in the region. 

“President [Barack Obama] has been clear that he is prepared to engage constructively with North Korea. However, he has also insisted that North Korea live up to its own commitments, adhere to its international obligations and deal peacefully with its neighbors.”

The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency session following North Korea’s attempted rocket launch. The US is a permanent member of the Council, along with China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom.

China, a key ally of North Korea, has been silent after the attempted launch. 

Like the US though, Japan expressed concern about the failed rocket launch, calling it a “regrettable development.” – Rappler.com