The White House says North Korea's missile launch early on Friday was a provocative act that threatens regional security and violates international law. A statement was issued after a North Korean rocket broke up shortly after launch.
The statement said the failed launch contravenes Pyongyang's own recent commitments, adding the U.S. remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and remains committed to the security of U.S. allies in the region.
It said President Barack Obama has been clear he is prepared to engage constructively with North Korea but also insists that it live up to its own commitments, adhere to its international obligations and deal peacefully with its neighbors.
North Korea, the statement said, is only further isolating itself by engaging in provocative acts, and is wasting its money on weapons and propaganda displays while its people go hungry.
The White House said the North's longstanding development of missiles and pursuit of nuclear weapons have not brought it security, and never will.
North Korea, it said, will only show strength and find security by abiding by international law, living up to its obligations and working to feed its citizens, educate its children and win the trust of its neighbors.
The United Nations Security Council was expected to meet on Friday to discuss a response to the North Korean missile launch.
President Obama leaves Friday for Cartagena, Colombia to attend the sixth Summit of the Americas. He will be monitoring developments on North Korea during the summit.
