Secretary-General Calls Missile Launch by Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ‘Deeply Deplorable’, Reaffirms Commitment to Denuclearize Korean Peninsula

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

It is deeply deplorable that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has conducted a launch using ballistic missile technology in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions on 6 February, despite the united plea of the international community against such an act.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to halt its provocative actions and return to compliance with its international obligations.  He reaffirms his commitment to working with all sides in reducing tensions and achieving the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.