UN condemns N.Korea rocket launch

Pyongyang’s claim that it was placing a satellite in orbit as part of its space programme has not been believed – critics say its was to test a ballistic missile.

The UN ambassadors from South Korea and the US have lead the criticism and have unilaterally said they will look into deploying an advanced missile defence system in the region.

"I think the DPRK is making a clear statement to the whole world that it is determined to continue to defy the community of nations and to threaten the peace and security of the whole world. This is totally outrageous and unacceptable,” said Oh Joon UN ambassador from South Korea.

Meanwhile Samantha Power from the US has begun pushing for the Security Council to prepare a resolution for tough new sanctions to be imposed on the already isolated nation.

"We’re looking forward to expeditiously consulting with our colleagues in the coming days and we will be looking to all council members to unite around a swift and aggressive response to the DPRK’s repeated violations that constitute this very direct threat to global peace and security.”

North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions since its first nuclear test in 2006. It has conducted three more atomic tests since then, including one last month along with numerous ballistic missile launches.

Although the UN has already imposed sanctions they have not been rigidly enforced with China fearing they could topple the Pyongyang regime, triggering a refugee crisis on its border.

(euronews.com)