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SEC. HAGEL: Yes. Yes. Yes. Q: My name is Chi *** Lee with South Korea's
Yonhap News Agency, if you remember. North Korea executed the once powerful uncle of
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, so what is the level of your concern about what's happening
in North Korea, Mr. Secretary? SEC. HAGEL: Well, the unpredictability of
the actions that we see coming out of North Korea, and the latest being the example you
use, is -- is very concerning to everyone. And the reality of that uncertainty heightens
the -- the tensions. It, as you know, further deepens the suspicions of -- of motives.
That -- that nation is as closed as any nation in the world. There is no transparency. There
is no interconnect to the outside world in any way. And so when you see things like this
occur, it tightens the reaction of -- of what people think and what could happen with that
kind of unpredictability. So it's not a -- it's not a welcome event at all.
Marty, you want to add anything? GEN. DEMPSEY: No, just, you know, these kind
of internal actions by dictators are often a precursor to provocation to distract attention
from what they're doing inside of that country. So, yeah, if you're asking me, am I concerned?
Absolutely. REAR ADM. KIRBY: Thanks very much, folks.
SEC. HAGEL: Thank you. Happy holidays.