The United Nations criticized North Korea’s ballistic missile launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
According to a report by the Voice of America (VOA) on the 18th (local time), UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a regular briefing, “We strongly condemn North Korea’s launch of a long-range ballistic missile, which is the fifth this year.”
“We once again urge North Korea to fully comply with its international obligations, including relevant Security Council resolutions,” he said.
“It is important for both sides (South Korea and North Korea) to re-establish communication channels so that diplomatic dialogue can be resumed to achieve ‘sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,’ as urged by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.” “I think it does,” he emphasized.
On this day, France also strongly condemned North Korea’s ballistic missile launch in a statement.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, “France strongly condemns North Korea’s launch of short-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles on December 17 and 18 as yet another blatant violation of UN Security Council resolutions,” adding, “France strongly denounces South Korea and Japan. “We affirm our full solidarity,” he said.
“We urge North Korea to immediately cease these destabilizing actions and return to the negotiating table without delay to comply with its international obligations and participate in a process leading to the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.” “I urge you,” he said.
“France, together with its partners, is fully committed to ensuring that relevant UN Security Council resolutions are implemented,” he added.
Previously, North Korea launched a series of short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) provocations on the night of the 17th, Korean time, followed by ICBM provocations on the morning of the 18th.
This is North Korea’s fifth ICBM launch this year, and it has been about five months since the test launch of the new solid fuel ICBM Hwasong-18 on July 12.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.