Congressman Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, released the following statement in response North Korea’s artillery attack on South Korea’s Yeonpyeong Island: 

 

“This reckless behavior displayed by North Korea is an unacceptable act of aggression against South Korea, a long-standing ally of the United States. I am concerned about the threat not only for the citizens of South Korea but also for U.S. military personnel stationed on the Korean Peninsula.

 

“I join my colleagues and the Administration in strongly condemning the actions of the North Korean military. These hostile actions by the North Korean regime are the latest in a series of belligerent nuclear ambitions and military actions that have escalated tensions in the region and cannot continue.  

 

“The United States is committed to maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula. Additional escalation of hostilities between North and South Korea is not in the interest of either country, the United States or the international community. I urge all parties to practice restraint and focus on defusing this situation. “

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