Ban concerned about provocations after latest DPR Korea missile test

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his concern about provocations and tensions on the Korean Peninsula following reports that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched short-range guided missiles into the sea on Saturday.

The latest action comes despite repeated calls by the international community, including Mr. Ban and the United Nations Security Council, for DPRK to refrain from any actions that might exacerbate tensions on the Peninsula.

In February, the DPRK conducted its third, long threatened nuclear test, a move that was in violation of Security Council sanctions and drew widespread condemnation, including from the Secretary-General.

The test prompted the Security Council to tighten sanctions on the country's trade and banking, as well as travel by targeted officials. The DPRK then reportedly said it was cancelling the 1953 Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War.

Mr. Ban's spokesperson said today that the Secretary-General remains concerned about provocations and tensions on the Korean Peninsula, “particularly given the risks of miscalculation and dangerous escalation.”

The Secretary-General stands ready to help facilitate the process of peace and trust-building on the Korean Peninsula, the spokesperson added.