(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) NEW YORK, March 23 (KUNA) -- UN Security Council strongly condemned the ballistic missile test-launch and missile engine test, recently conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
In a press statement released on Thursday, the UNSC said the launch and engine test are in grave violation of the DPRK's international obligations under UN resolutions 1718, 1874, 2087, 2094, 2270, and 2321.
The 15-member body deplored all North Korean ballistic missile activities, including this launch that took place on March 21, and the engine test on March 19. The statement noted that such activities "contribute to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension in the region and beyond as well as the risk of a regional arms race." Therefore, the Council further regretted that the DPRK is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles while its citizens have great unmet needs.
The Council expressed serious concern over the increasingly "destabilizing behavior and flagrant and provocative defiance" of the Council by conducting these ballistic missile launches.
It reiterated in its statement, that the DPRK should refrain from further actions, including nuclear tests, in violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, and comply fully with its obligations under these resolutions.
It called upon all member states to "redouble their efforts to implement fully the measures imposed on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea by the Security Council, particularly the comprehensive measures contained in resolutions 2321 (2016) and 2270 (2016)." It directed the Panel of Experts, established pursuant to the Resolution 1718, to intensify its work to strengthen enforcement of resolutions 2321 and 2270 and assist member states to comply with their obligations under those resolutions and other relevant resolutions.
It also called on member states to report as soon as possible on concrete measures they have taken in order to implement effectively the provisions of resolutions 2321 and 2270.
The Council also reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia at large, expressing the commitment of its member states to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation. The statement then welcomed the efforts by Council members, as well as other States, to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue.
The UNSC emphasized the vital importance of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea showing sincere commitment to denuclearisation and stressed the importance of working to reduce tensions in the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
The Council members agreed that the Security Council would continue to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures, in line with the Council's previously expressed determination.
Earlier today, the Council renewed the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the sanctions' committee amid the threat the Democratic People's Republic of Korea poses.
The Council unanimously adopted resolution 2345, extending the mandate of the Panel until April 24, 2018. (pickup previous) mao.gb
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