North Korea missile tests ‘deeply troubling,’ UN says

The UN slammed North Korea Tuesday for its recent missile tests, saying the launches undermine efforts to reduce tension on the Korean Peninsula.

“The DPRK's firing of missiles is deeply troubling,” said Farhan Haq, spokesman for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

“Such actions are not conducive to reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.”

Earlier on Tuesday, North Korea test-fired two SCUD missiles and a Rodong medium-range missile. Pyongyang’s controversial move, which came heedless of mounting international criticism, was an apparent reaction to the planned deployment by the United States of a defense system in South Korea.

The United States said it would raise the case of the recent launches in the UN, saying its concerns regarding the North’s tests are increasing. However, reports said the US mission to the UN has yet to call consultations at the UN Security Council.

Washington drafted a statement condemning an apparent submarine-launched ballistic missile earlier this month. Diplomats said the document is being discussed with China. On June 23, the UN Security Council condemned two medium-range missile tests by North Korea at the time.

The UN has generally imposed a ban on Pyongyang’s developing of the ballistic missile technology. It has adopted five rounds of crippling sanctions on the North since it first tested an atomic device in 2006.

North Korea’s main foes in the East Asia region have reacted to the recent tests, with Koro Bessho, Japan's envoy to the UN and the Security Council’s president, saying discussions were going on between council members to prepare a response to North Korea’s tests.

“We are talking to several friends,” Ambassador Bessho told reporters, adding, “We are hoping that the Security Council will be able to respond in an appropriate way.”

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