BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy, issued the following statement regarding North Korea’s nuclear test.
“Today's reported nuclear test by North Korea is yet another indication of North Korea’s determination to continue to defy the international community and the threat it poses to regional peace and stability.
“In response, I strongly believe that the United States and our partners in the international community must respond resolutely. In particular, I intend to work with my colleagues in the Senate on legislation to impose additional sanctions on North Korea and would also urge additional sanctions by the United Nations Security Council.
“Moreover, given North Korea’s actions, the United States and our allies must also take additional steps to combine effective sanctions with appropriate countermeasures. There should be no doubt about the depth of our commitment to or the strength of our alliance with the Republic of Korea.
“North Korea will never improve its security and gain international acceptance through the development of nuclear weapons. These can only come when it abides by international norms, lives up to its commitments and international obligations, and works to feed its citizens, to educate its children, and to win the trust of its neighbors.”
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