Secretary-General Deplores Rocket Launch by Democratic People’s Republic

of Korea, Concerned about Possible Effects on Regional Peace, Stability

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General deplores the rocket launch announced by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.  It is all the more regrettable because it defies the unified and strong call from the international community.  It is a clear violation of Security Council resolution 1874 (2009), in which the Council demanded that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea not conduct any launch using ballistic missile technology.

The Secretary-General has been urging the leadership in Pyongyang not to carry out such a launch and instead to build confidence with its neighbours while taking steps to improve the lives of its people.  The Secretary-General is concerned about the negative consequences that this provocative act may have on peace and stability in the region.

The Secretary-General is in close touch with the Governments concerned.  He takes this opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to working for peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

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For information media • not an official record