In Silicon Valley, Defense Secretary Promotes Diplomatic Solution To North Korea
MOUNTAIN VIEW (CBS/AP) -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says the Trump administration is working with its allies on a diplomatic solution to escalating tensions with North Korea.
Speaking with reporters in Mountain View, Mattis says his responsibility is to have military options but the American effort is focused on diplomacy.
He points out the U.N. 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 U.S. 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."
A new KPIX 5 survey USA Poll found a majority of people in the Bay Area don't have confidence in the administration's ability to handle the crisis.
When asked about the poll, Mattis replied, "This is a threat to world peace, a global order. And it's aligning the United Nations and very serious sanctions. And I would tell you that didn't just happen. It shows you where the Trump administration goes in terms of prioritizing the threat and how to deal with it in a diplomatically effective manner."
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