Asia-Pacific

Obama reiterates Washington's stance on DPRK

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-11 15:38

SEOUL -- US President Barack Obama on Thursday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to abandon its nuclear program and refrain from provocative moves.

Obama made the appeal when he visited Yongsan Garrison, a US military base located in central Seoul.

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"If they choose to fulfill their international obligations and commitments to the international community, they will have the chance to offer their people lives of growing opportunity instead of crushing poverty -- a future of greater security and greater respect; a future that includes the prosperity and opportunity available to citizens on this end of the Korean Peninsula," Obama said.

Meanwhile, Obama warned the DPRK against any further provocative moves, stressing that the United States "will never waver" in its commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in south.

"We have made it clear that North Korea (DPRK)'s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons will only lead to more isolation and less security," Obama said.

Obama arrived in Seoul late Wednesday for the two-day G20 summit due to start late Thursday. The ROK is the third stop on Obama's four-nation trip to Asia after India and Indonesia.

The United States deploys 28,500 troops in the ROK as a deterrent against the DPRK.