The United States warned North Korea Friday to refrain from "actions that aggravate tensions," amid concerns that Pyongyang may be preparing for a new round of missile tests.
A State Department spokesman said Washington was aware of a North Korean notification that it was declaring a 9-day "no sail" zone off its western coast, which in the past has signaled the onset of missile tests.
"North Korea should refrain from actions that aggravate tensions," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said. "We would hate to see North Korea go through another round of missile launches."
The South Korea Defense Ministry said it believed the notification was linked to regular North Korean artillery exercises, but was studying the possibility Pyongyang was preparing to test-fire short range missiles.
Tensions have been high since the sinking on March 26 of a South Korean warship, the Cheonan, and an international investigation that concluded it was attacked by a North Korean submarine with a torpedo.
The latest US warning came on the anniversary of the start of the Korean War 60 years ago.
Crowley would not comment on the specifics of the US concerns, saying it touched on intelligence matters.
"We would encourage North Korea to avoid further provocative actions that increase tensions in the region," he said. "Now is the time to take steps to improve relations with its neighbors and cease any provocative behavior."
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