While tensions between the two Koreas continue, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas on Friday said that the American government is very much committed to peace.
“We are committed to peace. Clearly, you have seen that since President (Barack) Obama has taken office, he has worked with allies for consensus,” he added.
The US envoy made this statement during Friday’s opening ceremonies for “Balikatan 2013” which took place at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Commissioned Officers Club in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Thomas also said that over 80 countries have agreed to the latest UN Security Council resolution condemning North Korea and sanctions have been imposed.
“And that is how we have worked with our allies on that. So, we will continue to do that,” the US Ambassador stressed.
When asked on what will be the role of US forces now in the Philippines once an attack is made by North Korea, Thomas replied, “We never deal with hypothetical (questions).”
He added that his job as diplomat “is to work toward peace."
However, Thomas said that President Obama, US Secretary of State John Kerry, and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel have made clear the United States policy "that we are not going to permit North Korea to become a nuclear state or be able to target the United States."
"We are very capable of defending ourselves," he emphasized.
"Right now, we are at peace, let us find ways to maintain that peace," Thomas said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58789/ambassador-harry-thomas-on-korea-crisis-us-committed-to-peace
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