Pete Hoekstra

Contact: Dave Yonkman 202.225.4401

Washington, Nov 23 - U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement after North Korea initiated another military attack against South Korea:

“Once again the world is forced to confront the belligerent and unpredictable nature of North Korea and its erratic leadership regime. North Korea has long failed to be a responsible nation, and its latest military attack on South Korea and its ongoing nuclear proliferation should surprise no one by now.

“This latest attack on the heels of the North Korea’s nuclear enrichment revelation and the Cheonan sinking raise serious questions about the leadership succession issues surrounding Kim Jong-il. Could the increase in high-profile attacks by North Korea in advance of Kim’s expected succession by his son Kim Jong-un signal a period of increased hostility on the peninsula? Will there be more deadly, unprovoked attacks leading-up-to and following his ascension to power?

“It is time for the international community to recognize and treat North Korea like the rogue nation that it is. The United Nations Security Council should be convened and condemn this attack in the strongest terms. The Obama administration also should increase pressure on North Korea’s patron, China, to reign-in the rogue regime. China must recognize that North Korea’s destabilizing military and nuclear provocations are not only a threat to our allies South Korea and Japan, they pose a threat to the China as well. With 36,000 troops stationed in South Korea, the administration also must make it clear that casualties among our forces at the hands of North Korea will not be tolerated.

“The erratic and dangerous actions of North Korea have become commonplace, but it does not mean the world should continue to turn a blind eye to them. We must increase diplomatic and international pressure on North Korea to end its militaristic and nuclear pursuits before the North’s escalations pose a risk to the world that cannot be ignored.”