Condemning DPR Korea's missile launch, Security Council to pursue 'significant measures' in response

Following emergency consultations today, the United Nations Security Council strongly condemned the missile launched by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and announced that it will “expeditiously” adopt a new resolution in response to “these dangerous and serious violations.”

“The members of the Security Council underscored that this launch, as well as any other DPRK launch that uses ballistic missile technology, even if characterized as a satellite launch or space launch vehicle, contributes to the DPRK's development of nuclear weapon delivery systems and is a serious violation of Security Council resolutions,” the UN Permanent Representative of Venezuela, Rafael Darío Ramírez Carreño, told reporters delivering the Council's presidential statement.

He added that the 15-member Council reaffirmed that a clear threat to international peace and security continues to exist, especially in the context of the nuclear test.

“The members of the Security Council restated their intent to develop significant measures in a new Security Council resolution in response to the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on January 6, 2016, in grave violation of the DPRK's international obligations,” Ambassador Ramírez stressed.

Members also recalled that they have previously expressed their determination to take “further significant measures” in the event of another DPRK launch.

Ambassador Motohide Yoshikawa (at lectern) of Japan, together with Ambassador Samantha Power of the USA and Ambassador Oh Joon (right) of the Republic of Korea, speak to journalists following closed Security Council consultations. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Ambassador Samantha Power of the USA and Ambassador speaks to journalists following closed Security Council consultations. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Ambassador Oh Joon of the Republic of Korea speaks to journalists following closed Security Council consultations. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Ambassador Motohide Yoshikawa of Japan speaks to journalists following closed Security Council consultations. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Ambassador Vitaly I. Churkin of the Russian Federation speaks to journalists following closed Security Council consultations. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Ambassador Liu Jieyi of the People’s Republic of China speaks to journalists following closed Security Council consultations. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

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“In line with this commitment and the gravity of this most recent violation, the members of the Security Council will adopt expeditiously a new Security Council resolution with such measures in response to these dangerous and serious violations,” Mr. Ramírez announced.

The Council also expressed its commitment to continue working toward a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation leading to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.