Security Council strongly condemns DPRK’s ballistic missile launches

The Security Council today strongly condemned the ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 21 June, noting that these repeated acts are in grave violation of obligations under the relevant resolutions adopted by the 15-nation body.

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.

Expressing serious concern that DPRK flagrantly disregarded the body’s repeated calls, the Council urged the country to refrain from further actions, including nuclear tests, that violate the relevant Council resolutions.

The Council called upon all Member States to redouble their efforts to implement fully the sanctions imposed on the DPRK by the Council, especially the measures set out in its most recent resolution.

Reiterating the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia at large, the Council agreed to continue monitoring the situation closely and take further significant measures in line with its previously expressed determination.