Mattis says US wants diplomatic solution for North Korea

WASHINGTON - 11 August 2017: US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says the Trump administration is working with its allies on a diplomatic solution to escalating tensions with North Korea, The Washington Post reported.

Speaking with reporters in Mountain View, California, Mattis says his responsibility is to have military options but the American effort is focused on diplomacy.

He points out the UN Security Council unanimously voted last week to characterize North Korea’s statements as a “threat to the world’s community.”

He asks, “How often do you see France, China, Russia, the US voting unanimously on any issue?”

Mattis says the tragedy of war is well known and “it doesn’t need another characterization beyond the fact that it would be catastrophic.”