Politics & Government

Local Congressman: Don't Be Lulled By North Korea's Failed Launch

While North Korea's failed missile launch garnered international snickering, the rogue nation won't stop in its efforts to develop a nuclear arsenal warned Congressman Ed Royce.

After weeks of touting its military and aerospace might, the nation of North Korea attempted to launch a satellite into space only to have the missile break up and splash into the sea Thursday.

Widely touted as an international embarrassment for North Korea, Los Alamitos and Rossmoor Congressman Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) warned that the gesture is not to be taken lightly.

"Reports of failure are good news.  Three stage rockets, a nuclear program and the North Korean regime's hostility are a very dangerous combination.  I have no doubt that North Korea will be back at it though, determined to build its rocket capacity,” he said in a written statement.  "Failure or not, this launch underscores the desperate need for the U.S. and our friends to develop a new, comprehensive North Korea policy focused on ending its illicit activities, human rights, sanctions, and promoting the free flow of information into North Korea.”

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Toward that end, Royce has authored legislation aimed at increasing radio broadcasts into North Korea.

"North Korea's determination to press ahead with the launch, success or failure, reaffirms the importance of sending news and information into North Korea to break its regime's monopoly," added Royce.


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