STATEMENT REGARDING NORTH KOREAN TEST-FIRING OF MISSILES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—July 5, 2006—Hagåtña, Guam—

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo released the following statement today regarding the test-firing of missiles by the North Korean Government into the Sea of Japan:

            “The North Korean missile testing today is a serious concern to our nation, our allies in the region, and most importantly to our island.  I want to emphasize to our community that the United States has the means to protect our nation, including Guam, against missile threats. The Administration has attempted to use diplomacy to address North Korea's pursuit of a nuclear capability through the six party talks.  I support the Administration's efforts and I hope that the widespread condemnation of the North Korean tests by the international community will cause them to return to the six party negotiations to resolve this issue,” Congresswoman Bordallo said. “While North Korea's actions today represent a provocation, the failure of the Taepodong 2 missile test means that the threat posed by this long range missile is diminished. Our nation is committed to regional security and stability for ourselves and our allies in Asia.  We are reminded today that vigilance is the price we pay for freedom.”

            Congresswoman Bordallo participated in a House International Relations Subcommittee hearing on North Korea last Thursday, June 29, 2006.  Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, who is scheduled to travel to the region on Wednesday, testified at the hearing that the United States remains prepared to return to the Six Party Talks with no preconditions.  Congresswoman Bordallo introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House on June 22, 2006, which calls on the North Korean Government to abandon their nuclear weapons program, withdraw from their pursuit of advanced ballistic missile technology, and to return to international diplomatic negotiations and the Six Party talks.

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Contact:  Alicia Chon in Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-1188 or Joseph E. Duenas at (671) 477-4272/4.

www.house.gov/bordallo

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