06 Dec 2010
Washington : US President Barack Obama today asked his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao to 'send a clear message' to North Korea that its provocations like shelling of the South Korean territory were 'unacceptable'.
Obama called Hu to discuss the situation in the Korean peninsula and other international issues.
'The President emphasised the need for North Korea to halt its provocative behaviour and to meet its international obligations, including its commitments in the 2005 Six Party Joint Declaration,' the White House said in a statement issued in the wee hours of Monday.
Hu told Obama that a 'cool and rational' response from all sides is needed on the crisis in the Korean peninsula, Xinhua news agency reported.
The two Presidents discussed their common interest in peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the priority of
ensuring the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
'They agreed on the importance of the United States and China working together toward these shared goals,' the statement said.
During the telephonic call, Obama condemned the North Korean shelling of a South Korean island on November 23 and its pursuit of a uranium enrichment program in defiance of its obligations.
'He urged China to work with us and others to send a clear message to North Korea that its provocations are
unacceptable,' the White House said.
Hu told Obama: 'Under the current situation, it is imperative that the response is cool and rational and that we
firmly prevent a deterioration of the situation,' the foreign ministry quoted Hu as saying.
'Under the current situation, it is very possible that tensions on the Korean peninsula could further escalate and get out of control if not properly handled.' Obama also highlighted the American commitment to the security of our allies in the region, it added. Raising the issue of Iran, Obama stressed the importance of P5+1 unity in order to address Iran's nuclear program, the White House said. PTI
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