White House troubled by North Korea’s ‘bellicose rhetoric’

White House press secretary Jay Carney said Monday the Obama administration was “concerned” over North Korea’s move to declare the 1953 armistice that effectively ended the Korean War nullified.

“We are certainly concerned by North Korea’s bellicose rhetoric, and the threats that they have been making follow a pattern designed to raise tension and intimidate others,” Carney said. “The DPRK will achieve nothing by threats or provocations, which will only further isolate North Korea and undermine international efforts to ensure peace and stability in Northeast Asia.”

{mosads}The North Korean declaration came as the United States and South Korea launched two months of joint military drills, partially prompted by North Korea’s decision to test a nuclear weapon last month. 

Last week the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to impose new sanctions against the communist nation as a punishment for its nuclear test. 

“We continue to urge the North Korean leadership to heed President Obama’s call to choose the path of peace and come into compliance with its international obligations,” Carney said. “You know, we have worked in a concerted way with our international partners to put pressure on and isolate North Korea because of its failure to live up to its obligations.”

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North Korea has also threatened the United States with a pre-emptive nuclear strike.

Last week, Carney said that the United States was able to ward off any nuclear threat from North Korea.

“The United States is fully capable of defending against any North Korean missile attack,” he said at the time.