Macron Urges Int'l Community to Avoid Escalation of Tensions Around N Korea

The french president urged the international community to refrain from escalating the situation around North Korea.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — French President Emmanuel Macron urged the international community to refrain from escalating the situation around North Korea, the Elysee Palace said in a communique on Saturday.

"French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his concern over the growing ballistic and nuclear threat of North Korea … The president of the Republic assures France's allies and partners in the region of his solidarity during the current period. He also calls for the responsibility of all and for preventing any escalation of tensions," the communique said.

Macron also stressed that the international community should keep on working in order to "encourage Pyongyang to return to dialogue without preconditions."

Last week, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2371, which further tightens sanctions against North Korea in response to Pyongyang's recent ballistic missiles tests.

North Korea’s military said Wednesday it was considering a missile attack near the US island territory of Guam after President Donald Trump threatened Pyongyang with "fire and fury."

Guam houses a number of US military facilities, including the Andersen airbase and the Naval Base Guam in Apra Harbor.