Anchor: In a joint statement by top U.S. security policymakers Washington has announced it aims to deal with North Korea’s nuclear program through tighter sanctions and diplomatic channels. The announcement followed the White House’s rare briefing for the entire Senate on the situation in the North.
Alannah Hill has more.
 
Report: The Donald Trump administration on Wednesday announced its aim to pressure North Korea into dismantling its nuclear and ballistic missile programs by tightening economic sanctions and pursuing diplomatic measures with its allies and regional partners.
 
The approach was revealed in a joint statement issued by U.S. State Secretary Rex Tillerson, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats on Wednesday.

The statement said the U.S. seeks stability and the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. It added the U.S. remains open to negotiations towards that goal but clarified it is also prepared to defend itself and its allies.
 
Declaring that past efforts have failed to halt North Korea's unlawful weapons programs and nuclear and ballistic missile tests, it said the North’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is “an urgent national security threat and top foreign policy priority” for the U.S.
 
The statement also said the U.S. will call other nations to pressure the North to lower its nuclear threats gradually and return to dialogue.
 
It said the U.S. will cooperate to safeguard regional stability and prosperity, and maintain harmony and cooperation with its allies including South Korea and Japan.
 
It is the first joint statement issued by the U.S. government on North Korea since the inauguration of the Trump administration in January. 
Alannah Hill, KBS World Radio News. 

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