Steve Holland and David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The United States appealed to North Korea on Sunday to enter direct negotiations without any preconditions regarding its missile and nuclear programs. This was after Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile with an intermediate range that could reach the outer space.

Reporters were told by a top Biden official that they believe it’s appropriate and right to begin serious conversations.

Under President Joe Biden the United States has sought to have talks with North Korea several times, but each attempt has been rejected. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had three summits, with Donald Trump as his predecessor. But, the talks didn’t realize Kim’s request for lifting sanctions against Pyongyang.

Officials claimed that the most recent North Korean nuclear test was part of an “increasingly unstable” pattern, in violation U.N. Security Council Resolutions and thus international law.

After North Korea’s largest missile test in 2017 was conducted on Sunday, the official said. This launch is seen by North Korea as an important step towards resuming its long-range testing.

Official said that Pyongyang could resume nuclear testing at long range and lift its own ban on the practice.

His response was, “It demands a reaction.” “You’ll see us take some steps designed to express our commitment towards our allies… but at the exact same time, we reiterate our call on diplomacy. “We stand ready to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of each side’s concerns.