John Kerry: Missile Launch Would Be A Huge Mistake

   Jin-Man, Lee. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, answers reporters' question as South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-    se listens during a joint press conference at Foreign Ministry. South Korea. 2013 http://nationalpostnews.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/south_korea_us_kerry.jpg?w=620

John Kerry, Secretary of State delivered a firm warning on Friday telling Kim Jong-un North Korea will not be acknowledged as a nuclear power. Kerry said a North Korean missile launch would be a “huge mistake” and echoed that the United States would defend its allies if they had to. He also cautioned Pyongyang that launching a medium range missile would be a “provocative and unwanted act”.

Kerry says, “Kim Jong-un needs to understand, as I think he probably does, what the outcome of a conflict would be. Our hope is we can get back to talks. The rhetoric that we are hearing from North Korea is simply unacceptable by any standard. The United States will, if needed, defend our allies and defend ourselves”.

North Korea had two medium range missiles fueled and ready to launch on America’s east coast on Friday. However, there is no increased movement or pursuit by North Korea’s military that would indicate a rocket launch.  South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Kerry met on Friday for their first discussion on the rumors circulating about the uncertainty and capabilities of North Korea’s military.

EPA,The Musudan missiles, named after the north-eastern village they are based at, are believed to have a range that could reach Guam. 2013 http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/ay_107673922.jpg?w=650

Friday evening, South Korea and the U.S. announced a mutual statement:

The 60-year alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea is crucial for security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States reaffirms its commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea in the wake of recent unacceptable provocations by North Korea.

Both sides agree on the importance of the denuclearization of North Korea, knowing that North Korea's dangerous nuclear and missile programs threaten not only its neighbors, but also its own people.

The United States stands vigilantly by the Republic of Korea's side, and is prepared for and capable of defending and protecting itself and its allies. Both of our countries are taking prudent measures - both military and diplomatic - to enhance our security. At the same time, the two countries remain committed to the goal of peaceful denuclearization. In this context, the United States welcomes the Trust-building Process on the Korean Peninsula proposed by President Park Geun-hye.

We will continue working with all Six-Party partners and the international community to make clear that North Korea must adhere to its international obligations and commitments or face further isolation. We will continue to encourage North Korea to make the right choice. If North Korea does so, we are prepared to implement the commitments under the 2005 Six-Party Joint Statement. But Pyongyang must prove its seriousness by taking meaningful steps to abide by its international obligations.