The United States says it is suspending efforts to recover the remains of its service members in North Korea. This follows Pyongyang's announcement last Friday it plans to go against international agreements and launch a rocket.

The U.S. project was designed to bring home remains left in North Korea after the Korean military conflict that lasted from 1950 to 1953, to which the United States contributed troops on the side of the south.

The Pentagon announced the news Wednesday, saying North Korea must return to standards of behavior that the international community has called for. A spokesman said when there are suggestions North Korea might launch ballistic missiles, the time is not right to undertake the recovery effort.

Immediately after Pyongyang's announcement, the U.S. called the statement “provocative” and said it could affect its plans to send food aid to North Korea. The United Nations and other countries have also criticized North Korea's plans.