UN strongly condemns latest North Korean missile launches

Japan yesterday began to examine the suspected nose cone of a North Korean rocket that washed up on a Japanese beach, hoping to glean information on the reclusive state’s ballistic missile program a day after it test-launched two more missiles.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry said previously that the United States decision to send to Busan the USS Mississippi submarine, equipped with cruise missiles, “creates a direct threat to the DPRK and the entire region”. All these acts of provocation, said the analyst, are taking place at a time when the plan of a preemptive airstrike in order to “disable the nuclear facilities and strategic means of the DPRK” is openly discussed in the United States.

The minister did not elaborate on what the “unbearable costs” could be.

The sanctions – the toughest yet against North Korea – were imposed after it conducted a fourth nuclear test on Jan 6, followed by a long-range rocket test Feb 7.

Yun urged the worldwide community to “fully and thoroughly” implement the sanctions resolution.

In a statement issued to the press, the Council, speaking out on the issue for the fifth time since January, deplored that these activities contribute to the development of the country’s nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension, and regretted that DPRK is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles while its citizens have great unmet needs.

North Korea, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, launched what appeared to be an intermediate-range missile on Wednesday to a high altitude in the direction of Japan before it plunged into the sea about two hours after a similar test failed.

The indigenouMusudan missile, which North Korea refers to as the Hwasong-10, could theoretically reach US troops based as far as Guam.

The council also welcomed efforts by unnamed council members and other countries “to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue”.