U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she is convinced that a strong position by the U.N. is the first and most important step that can be taken against North Korea's rocket launch.

She told reporters that the U.S. is actively involved in consultations with members of the U.N. Security Council and the six-way nuclear talks.

Clinton said the North ignored its international obligations, rejected the calls for restraint, and further isolated itself from the community of nations with its launch. She called the firing of the rocket a provocative act that has grave implications.

Clinton said North Korea has now jeopardized what it hopes to achieve through the six-party talks.

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