UN Security Council condemns DPRK launch

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-14-2009 14:22

The UN Security Council has adopted a statement on the recent launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, saying it contravenes a 2006 Security Council resolution.

The U.N. Security Council meets to issue a statement unanimously condemning DPRK's recent missile launch, at United Nations headquarters, in New York, April 13, 2009. REUTERS/Chip East

The five permanent members of the Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the US -- as well as Japan agreed on the statement after days of intense negotiations.

The DPRK said on Tuesday it will withdraw from the six-party talks in response to the U.N. Security Council president's statement.

The statement was the first official response to the DPRK launch by the UN's most powerful body.

It makes clear that the launch violated a council resolution adopted in 2006 which bans any missile tests by the country.

Claude Heller, Security Council President, said, "The Security Council condemns the April 5th launch by the DPRK, which is in contravention of Security Council resolution 1718 of 2006."