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UN Condemns N. Korea's Rocket Launch

Statement demands end to nuclear program, proposes more sanctions

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Apr 13, 2009 3:35 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A week after North Korea's rocket launch, the UN Security Council today condemned the action, demanding an end to missile tests and vowing to expand sanctions against the reclusive nation. The statement, agreed upon by all 15 members and read at a formal meeting of the UN's most powerful body, said the launch violated a council resolution adopted after the North conducted a nuclear test explosion in 2006 that banned any missile tests by the country.

The statement was a weaker response than a UN resolution, which was sought by Japan and the US but opposed by China and Russia. US Ambassador Susan Rice insisted the statement is legally binding, like a resolution, but other officials disagreed. North Korea warned earlier that any move to censure it at the UN could prompt its withdrawal from negotiations on dismantling its nuclear weapons program. The North's talks with the US, China, Japan, South Korea, and Russia are currently stalled.



This image made from KRT video shows for the first time the launch of a missile from Musudan-ri, North Korea, last week.
This image made from KRT video shows for the first time the launch of a missile from Musudan-ri, North Korea, last week.   (AP Photo/KRT TV)
In this image made off KRT footage distributed by APTN, North Korean leader Kim Jong II reads document during the first session of Supreme People's Assembly last week.
In this image made off KRT footage distributed by APTN, North Korean leader Kim Jong II reads document during the first session of Supreme People's Assembly last week.   (AP Photo/KRT via APTN)
The Japanese ambassador to the United Nations addresses media after a closed-door meeting on North Korea's rocket launch by the five permanent members of the Security Council.
The Japanese ambassador to the United Nations addresses media after a closed-door meeting on North Korea's rocket launch by the five permanent members of the Security Council.   (AP Photo/Xinhua, Shen Hong)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Doctor-Zaius
Apr 13, 2009 8:53 AM CDT
As long as Russia and China are permanent members of the security council you can forget any resolution until NK goes too far.... The question is how far is too far for Russia and China?

 
North Korea • United Nations • nuclear weapons • sanctions • missile • UN resolution

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