South Korea to match any North Korean provocation

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL

South Korea's interim leader Hwang Kyo- issued another warning to North Korea on Tuesday, as Seoul braces for a possible nuclear test by its reclusive neighbor.

Prime Minister Hwang -- in charge until next month's election to pick expelled President Park Geun- successor -- addressed a Cabinet meeting a day after discussing Pyongyang's rogue weapons development with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.

With the U.S. already considering "all options," Hwang said a North Korean violation of its United Nations commitments would be met with "a corresponding consequence".

"Our government and the international community will not condone North Korea's reckless provocations," Hwang said in comments reported by Yonhap News Agency.

Pyongyang watchers have been expecting a sixth nuclear test by the North in line with key anniversaries this month. The authoritarian state also paraded suspected intercontinental ballistic missiles during a massive military parade last weekend.

Hwang, however, appeared to distance Seoul from talk of an American pre-emptive strike on North Korea, insisting the allies would maintain their defensive position while hoping for support from China in hitting Pyongyang with stronger sanctions.

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL

South Korea's interim leader Hwang Kyo- issued another warning to North Korea on Tuesday, as Seoul braces for a possible nuclear test by its reclusive neighbor.

With the U.S. already considering "all options," Hwang said a North Korean violation of its United Nations commitments would be met with "a corresponding consequence".

"Our government and the international community will not condone North Korea's reckless provocations," Hwang said in comments reported by Yonhap News Agency.