Bush warns DPRK over nuclear test

U.S. President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that the United States "reserves all options" to defend U.S. interests and allies in the region," although he said the United States is still committed to diplomacy and has no intention of attacking the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ( DPRK).

"The United States remains committed to diplomacy. The United States also reserves all options to defend our friends and our interests in the region against the threats from North Korea," Bush said at a press conference held in the Rose Garden.

Bush said that the United States is working with partners in the region and the UN Security Council to ensure there are " serious repercussions" for the DPRK.

"We all agree that there must be a strong Security Council resolution that will require North Korea to abide by its international commitments to dismantle its nuclear programs," Bush said, adding that the resolution should help prevent the DPRK from exporting nuclear or missile technologies.

While reaffirming the United States has no intention to attack the DPRK, Bush said that the United States will increase defense cooperation with its allies, including "cooperation on ballistic missile defense to protect against North Korean aggression, and cooperation to prevent North Korea from exporting nuclear and missile technologies."

Bush said he thanks China, South Korea, Japan and Russia for voicing their strong opposition to the DPRK's nuclear test.

"Peace on the Korean peninsula requires that these nations send a clear message to Pyongyang that its actions will not be tolerated, and I appreciate their leadership," Bush added.

Bush's comments came after the DPRK announced Sunday night that it had successfully conducted a nuclear test.

Source: Xinhua