By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar
JAKARTA, June 12 (NNN-Bernama) — ASEAN’s foreign ministers have expressed grave concern over the recent surge in North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile tests and ballistic missile launches.
In a statement posted on ASEAN’s website, the ministers said this worrisome development reflects an increased tension on the Korean Peninsula and threatens peace and stability in the region and in the world.
They urged North Korea to exercise self-restraint to de-escalate the tension and avoid actions that might aggravate the situation as well as comply with all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
Diplomatic efforts, including the creation of a conducive environment for peaceful dialogue amongst all concerned parties should remain a priority, the foreign ministers said.
They also stand ready to play a constructive role, including through utilising ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, to bring about a peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea and the United States fired eight surface-to-surface missiles on Monday in response to the eight missiles fired by the North Korea into the waters off its east coast last Sunday.
— NNN-BERNAMA