S. Korea will not overreact to N. Korean backlash: official

SEOUL, April 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Tuesday it will deal calmly with
North Korea's stronger-than-expected response to U.N. condemnation of its rocket
launch.
Hours after the U.N. Security Council issued a presidential statement labeling
the April 5 launch a violation of an existing U.N. resolution, the North
announced it will never return to the six-way talks on its nuclear program. The
reclusive communist regime also threatened to restore its key nuclear facilities
and consider building its own light-water reactor.
"North Korea's response is stronger than expected, considering such strong words
as 'never' were used," a South Korean foreign ministry official said.
But he pointed out that the North's statement does not directly criticize the
United States, a gesture possibly suggesting it hopes for direct talks with
Washington.
"The government will deal with North Korea's threats in a calm manner," he said,
adding his ministry may release a formal statement later in response to the
North's position.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)