"A world without nuclear weapons"

On a trip to Prague for a meeting with EU leaders, US President, Barack Obama, held a rally to give his response to North Korea's missile launch. He said that this "provocative" violation of international laws and treaties highlighted the need for action on nuclear weapons.

Speaking alongside his wife. Michelle, President Obama said that America had "a moral responsipility" to lead the action as the only country to have used a nuclear weapon. Obama announced that he wanted to achieve "a world without nuclear weapons" to ensure international security and allow developing countries to harness nuclear power for peaceful energy production. He added that to maintain "common security we must strengthen our alliances". He told the 20,000 strong crowd that the de-armament programme may not be completed with in his life time and that the process would take "patience and commitment". He made a pledge to reduce America's nuclear arsenal and urged other leaders to follow his lead.

Speaking about North Korea's missile launch just hours before, Obama said that now was the time for "a strong international response" and that there must be consequences to breaking international rules. He added that "North Korea must know that the path to security and respect will never come through threats and illegal weapons."

The speech took place after a series of protests across the Czech capital were held against the proposed US defense shield. However, President Obama said that whilst the Iranian nuclear threat remained plans for the missile defense system would go ahead.