Statement from Rep. Henry Hyde

This just in. Many thanks to the reader who forwarded this.

Today, North Korea acknowledged that it fired seven missiles, including an intercontinental missile, the Taepodong 2, as a “routine military exercise.” The long range missile, which is designed to have the capability to reach the United States, failed within a minute of its launch and therefore represents no immediate threat to the United States. However, the successful short range missile firings constitute a direct threat to our troops in the region and our allies, including Japan and South Korea. In fact, at least one of the missiles landed in an area off the coast of Russia, an obvious cause for alarm to the Russian people. A defiant North Korea announced that it intends to test-fire additional missiles.

North Korea’s actions are a threat to international peace and security and require a strong and unified response from the international community. Individual countries should follow Japan’s lead and pursue bilateral sanctions against North Korea. Russia and China, as responsible stakeholders and participants in the Six-Party Talks, have a unique obligation to remain firm in the face of this provocation.

This crisis is a critical test of leadership for the Security Council. Its actions in the coming days can preserve the region’s delicate balance of peace and security and will constitute a clear warning to other rogue states contemplating similar actions.

Congressman Henry Hyde represents the 6th District of Illinois and is the Chairman of the House Committee on International Relations. He will retire from the House when his term ends next year.