US condemns ‘provocative' North Korea rocket launch
The United States has condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket, calling it a "destabilizing and provocative" move.
The rocket launch "represents yet another destabilizing and provocative action and is a flagrant violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions," White House National Security Advisor Susan Rice said in a statement.
"North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs represent serious threats to our interests -- including the security of some of our closest allies -- and undermine peace and security in the broader region," she added.
The statement came shortly after North Korea launched the rocket on Sunday at around 0030 GMT despite warnings by a number of neighbors and world powers.
The missile was launched from the North’s Dongchang-ri missile base located in the country’s northwest region, a South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman said.
Pyongyang says the rocket was carrying an earth observation satellite. However, some believe the test is a cover for testing an intercontinental ballistic missile.
The missile is thought to have a range of over 10,000 kilometers, putting it in range of US mainland.
South Korea and Japan have threatened to shoot the rocket down if its trajectory passes over their territories.
On Friday, the US and South Korean leaders called the Chinese president and demanded punitive measures against North Korea.
"We will continue to work with our partners and members of the UN Security Council on significant measures to hold the DPRK to account," US Secretary of State John Kerry said.
"Now is the time to do so in a firm and united way, with measures that make clear the determination of the international community to address the pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities by the DPRK,” he added.
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