US warns North Korea to refrain from "aggravating tensions”

After North Korea had declared that it puts a 9-day "no sail" ban in its western coast, the U.S. State Department warned that the regime should avoid missile launches that have followed such notices in the past.

The US Department of 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.

"North Korea should refrain from actions that aggravate tensions. We would hate to see North Korea go through another round of missile launches,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said.

"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," he added.