White House Condemns North Korean Attack

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2010 – The White House condemned today’s North Korean artillery attack against the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong.

“The United States strongly condemns this attack and calls on North Korea to halt its belligerent action and to fully abide by the terms of the Armistice Agreement,” according to a White House statement issued this morning.

President Barack Obama attended a late afternoon meeting of his senior national security team on the situation on the Korean peninsula, according to a White House press release. The president was briefed by National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Ambassador to the United Nations Susan E.Rice, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, and Army Gen. Walter L. Sharp, commander of U.S. Forces Korea.

"The president reiterated the unshakeable support of the United States for our ally, the Republic of Korea, and discussed ways to advance peace and security on the Korean peninsula going forward," the release says.

The attack on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong is reported to have killed two and injured 15 military personnel.

The White House statement affirms the United States is firmly committed to the defense of South Korea and to the maintenance of regional peace and stability.