Security Council strongly condemns failed ballistic missile launch by DPR Korea

The United Nations Security Council today strongly condemned the latest failed ballistic missile launch conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which took place on 14 October.

In a press statement issued today, the Council said the attempted launch is “in grave violation” of international obligations by DPRK under relevant Security Council resolutions.

The Council also deplored all ballistic missile activities of DPRK, including this failed launch, noting that such activities contribute to the Asian country’s development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension.

Further to the statement, Council members regretted that DPRK is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles while its citizens have great unmet needs.

The Council expressed “serious concern” that the most recent firing took place after a series of launches on 15 April, 23 April, 27 April, 28 April, 31 May, 21 June, 9 July, 18 July, 2 August, 23 August, and 5 September, as well as the nuclear test of 9 September, “in flagrant disregard” of the repeated statements by the 15-member body.

As such, the Security Council reiterated that DPRK shall refrain from further violations, including nuclear tests, of the relevant resolutions and comply fully with its obligations under these texts.

In addition, Member States were called upon to redouble their efforts to implement fully the measures imposed on DPRK by the Council, particularly the sanctions under resolution 2270 (2016), which obliges all States to inspect cargo within or transiting through their territory — including airports, sea ports and free trade zones — that was destined for or originating from DPRK.

The text also requests Member States to expel Pyongyang’s diplomats, governmental representatives or nationals acting in a governmental capacity who assisted in the evasion of sanctions or the violation of related resolutions.

In the press statement today, the Council called on Member States to report as soon as possible on concrete measures they have taken to implement effectively the provisions of resolution 2270.

Reiterating the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia at large, Council members expressed their commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation.

The Council also agreed that it would continue to closely monitor the situation and take “further significant measures” in line with its previously expressed determination.