LIEBERMAN CONDEMNS NORTH KOREAN PROVOCATIONS, EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY WITH SOUTH KOREA

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued the following statement today in response to North Korea’s shelling of South Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island and revelation of a newly constructed uranium enrichment facility:

“These latest brazen provocations demand a firm response from the United States, our allies, and the broader international community,” Lieberman said. "The unprovoked shelling today of Yeonpyeong Island will only strengthen the resolve of the United States to stand alongside and defend our ally the Republic of Korea, as well as reaffirm our security commitments throughout the region. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families of those killed and injured in this outrageous and deplorable attack, and express full support and solidarity with President Lee for his strong and steady leadership.

“I am likewise deeply concerned by the revelation that Pyongyang has constructed a new uranium enrichment facility. This latest nuclear provocation fits into a broader pattern of North Korean behavior, which must not be rewarded or appeased. Rather, all responsible countries must take additional steps to increase the pressure on the regime in Pyongyang, by cracking down on the arms trafficking, money laundering, counterfeiting, smuggling, and other illicit activities that sustains its nuclear and military programs. “I am particularly alarmed by any possible linkages between North Korea's nuclear activities and foreign countries. We must redouble our efforts to bring any such linkages to light, and any country that either provides or receives nuclear or other proliferation-related assistance from North Korea must be subject to crippling punishments -- as must North Korea itself.”

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