Expresses grave concern over North Korea's partnership with Iran

WASHINGTON, April 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on North Korea's test launch of a long-range missile. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

"Pyongyang's continued missile tests and unrestricted nuclear development presents a direct threat to U.S. forces stationed in the Pacific, to our South Korean and Japanese allies, and to Americans living in the states of Alaska and Hawaii.

"Today's actions not only show North Korea's advancing military capabilities but also the growing and dangerous partnership between North Korea and Iran.

"Iranian missile experts reportedly aided the preparations of this latest long-range missile test, just as they were present for Pyongyang's previous test on July 4, 2006.

"For more than a decade, North Korea and Iran have reportedly worked side-by-side to develop their respective nuclear and missile programs. They have also learned from each other in other ways, such as how to manipulate discussions on their nuclear programs, avoid tough sanctions, and what tactics to use to stall and delay long enough to achieve their nefarious goals.

"The U.S. must not overlook the dangers posed by the North Korea-Iran partnership. Our response to today's belligerent demonstration by North Korea must not just send a message to Pyongyang about U.S. commitment to nonproliferation and protecting our critical security interests, but to Iran and other countries of proliferation concern."

http://foreignaffairs.republicans.house.gov

SOURCE House Committee on Foreign Affairs (Republican Office)

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