Russel: U.S. asks countries to downgrade or sever diplomatic ties with N. Korea

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (Yonhap) -- The United States has asked countries around the world to "downgrade or sever" diplomatic relations with North Korea in the wake of Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test, a senior State Department official said Wednesday.

"This month, we instructed our embassies around the world to ask host governments to condemn the test and take further additional actions to downgrade or sever diplomatic and economic ties," Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said in a statement prepared for a Senate hearing.

"As of September 25, 75 countries have issued statements condemning the test and several others have canceled or downgraded planned meetings or visits with officials from North Korea," he said.

jschang@yna.co.kr
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