U.S. condemns N.K. missile launches, reaffirms 'ironclad' security commitment to S. Korea

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) -- The United States condemned North Korea's multiple ballistic missile launches this week, a State Department spokesperson said Monday, reiterating America's "ironclad" security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that Pyongyang fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, just hours before American voters start going to the polls to pick a new U.S. president.

"The United States condemns the DPRK's November 4 multiple ballistic missile launches (Washington time)," the spokesperson said in response to a request for comment by Yonhap News Agency.

"These launches, as well as last week's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, are in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions," the official added, noting that the launches pose a threat to regional and international peace and security and undermine the global nonproliferation regime.

The spokesperson also pointed out that Washington continues to consult closely with allies and partners about "how best" to deter North Korea's aggression and coordinate international responses to the North's violations of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan is ironclad," the official said.

sshluck@yna.co.kr
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