US President George W. Bush said yesterday that the United States
"reserves all options" to defend US interests and allies in the region,"
although he said the United States is still committed to diplomacy and has no
intention of attacking the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea (DPRK).
"The United States remains committed to diplomacy. The United States also
reserves all options to defend our friends and our interests in the region
against the threats from North Korea," Bush said at a press conference held in
the Rose Garden.
Bush said that the United States is working with partners in the region and
the UN Security Council to ensure there are "serious repercussions" for the
DPRK.
"We all agree that there must be a strong Security Council resolution that
will require North Korea to abide by its international commitments to dismantle
its nuclear programs," Bush said, adding that the resolution should help prevent
the DPRK from exporting nuclear or missile technologies.
While reaffirming the United States has no intention to attack the DPRK, Bush
said that the United States will increase defense cooperation with its allies,
including "cooperation on ballistic missile defense to protect against North
Korean aggression, and cooperation to prevent North Korea from exporting nuclear
and missile technologies."
Bush said he thanks China, South Korea, Japan and Russia for voicing their
strong opposition to the DPRK's nuclear test.
"Peace on the Korean peninsula requires that these nations send a clear
message to Pyongyang that its actions will not be tolerated, and I appreciate
their leadership," Bush added.
Bush's comments came after the DPRK announced Sunday night that it had
successfully conducted a nuclear test.