U.S. calls on N. Korea to refrain from 'provocative, destabilizing' action following artillery firing

▲ This photo, taken on Oct. 30, 2023, shows Matthew Miller, the State Department's spokesperson, speaking during a press briefing at the department in Washington. (Yonhap)

US-N Korea-artillery firing

U.S. calls on N. Korea to refrain from 'provocative, destabilizing' action following artillery firing

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (Yonhap) -- The United States on Friday called on North Korea to refrain from further "provocative" and destabilizing" action and return to dialogue, after Pyongyang ratcheted up tensions with the firing of artillery shells in waters off its west coast.

Matthew Miller, the State Department's spokesperson, made the call, reiterating the U.S. harbors "no hostile intent" towards the North.

"We call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocative, destabilizing actions and return to diplomacy," he said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency via email. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"In particular, we encourage the DPRK to engage in substantive discussions on identifying ways to manage military risks and create lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," he added.

The spokesperson also highlighted that the U.S. will continue to coordinate with South Korea and its allies to address challenges from the North.

"We continue to consult closely with the Republic of Korea, Japan, and other allies and partners about how to best engage the DPRK, deter aggression, and coordinate international responses to the DPRK's ongoing and repeated violations of UN Security Council resolutions," he said.

The North fired some 200 artillery shells into the waters on Friday morning. The move prompted an emergency evacuation order for civilians on the South Korean western border islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong. Also in response, the South Korean military staged live-fire drills on the border islands.

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