SC Meet On Latest Missile Launches By DPR Korea

Security Council To Meet On Latest Missile Launches By DPR Korea

New York, Jul 6 2009 4:10PM The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet Monday afternoon after the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted missile tests over the weekend in defiance of previous calls by the 15-member body to halt such action.

Seven missiles were reportedly fired off DPR Korea’s coast on 4 July. The move comes just weeks after the Council imposed tougher sanctions on DPRK in response to its 25 May nuclear test, and called on the country to “not conduct any further nuclear test or any launch using ballistic missile technology.”

Resolution 1874, adopted unanimously last month, imposed a series of measures on the DPRK that include tougher inspections of cargo suspected of containing banned items related to the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, a tighter arms embargo with the exception of light weapons and new financial restrictions.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had welcomed the resolution, saying it sent a “clear and strong” message to Pyongyang.

Mr. Ban has repeatedly called on the DPRK to engage in dialogue, including through the Six-Party Talks that brings together DPRK, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Russia and the United States.

ENDS

© Scoop Media