Latest ballistic missile launch by DPR Korea a ‘dangerous escalation of the situation’ – UN chief
4 July 2017 – Strongly commending today’s launch of a ballistic missile of possible intercontinental range by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has underscored that the country’s leadership must cease such actions and comply fully with its international obligations.
“This action is yet another brazen violation of Security Council resolutions and constitutes a dangerous escalation of the situation,” read a statement attributable to the UN chief’s Spokesperson.
“The DPRK leadership must cease further provocative actions and comply fully with its international obligations,” it added.
According to reports, the latest launch was conducted over the Sea of Japan.
In the statement, Secretary-General Guterres also underlined the importance of maintaining the unity of the international community in addressing this serious challenge.
Last month, condemning “in the strongest terms”, the DPRK’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development activities, the UN Security Council had unanimously adopted a resolution, applying existing sanctions to 14 individuals and four entities from the country.
The individuals are now subjected to travel ban and asset freeze, and the four entities subjected to asset freeze. They are listed in the annexes to the resolution.