Time for N Korea to end its belligerent approach: Obama

Washington: US President Barack Obama has said it is time for the North Korean leadership to end its "belligerent" approach and observe the basic rules and norms of the international community. Obama made this remarks on Thursday after his meeting with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, at the Oval Office of the White House.

"We both agree that now is the time for North Korea to end the kind of belligerent approach that they've been taking, and try to lower temperatures - nobody wants to see a conflict on the Korean Peninsula," Obama said in his joint press availability with Ban.

"It is important for North Korea, like every other country in the world, to observe the basic rules and norms that are set forth, including a wide variety of UN resolutions that have passed," he said.

"We will continue to try to work to resolve some of those issues diplomatically, even as I indicated to the Secretary General that the United States will take all necessary steps to protect its people and to meet our obligations under our alliances in the region," Obama said.

The UN Secretary General expressed his deep concern over the current situation in the Korean Peninsula. "On the situation in and around the Korean Peninsula, I am deeply concerned, and we share such a grave concern together on these continuing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. I urge the DPRK authorities to refrain from making any further provocative and rhetoric. This is not helpful," Ban said.

"I really highly commended President Obama's firm, principled, but measured response in close consultation with the Republic of Korea government and with strong engagement with neighboring countries like China," he said.

The UN chief hoped that more of the countries, including China, who have influences over North Korea, should exercise it to resolve the situation peacefully.

"North Korea should not confront the international community as they are now doing. I hope that concerned parties, including the United States, China, the Republic of Korea, and Russia, and Japan will continue to work together on this matter," Ban said.