The Latest: Abe says pressure must be exerted on NKorea

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1:00 p.m.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has reiterated that pressure, not only dialogue, is necessary in dealing with North Korea’s missile and nuclear threat.

Abe, speaking to a parliamentary session Monday following North Korea’s massive military parade and botched missile launch, said: “Needless to say, diplomatic effort is important to maintain peace. But dialogue for the sake of having dialogue is meaningless.”

Abe said that “we need to apply pressure on North Korea so they seriously respond to a dialogue” with the international community. He urged China and Russia to play more constructive roles on the issue.

Tension in the area has risen under as the administration of President Donald Trump in the United States has said that all options are on the table, which Abe said Japan supports.

 

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