MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Moscow sees North Korea’s missile test-fire as defiant disregard for requirements of UN Security Council resolutions, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
"We regard the missile test-fire conducted by North Korea on February 12 as another defiant disregard for requirements of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions," the ministry said. "That cannot but cause regret and concern. In these circumstances we urge all parties concerned to show composure and refrain from actions that lead to further escalation of tension."
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"We are confident that there is no alternative to tackling the Korean Peninsula issues, including nuclear, by the only possible means - political and diplomatic," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized. "The path to peace and stability in the region lies within the framework of abandoning confrontation in favor of efforts aimed at improving the overall military and political situation in Northeast Asia."
On Sunday, North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile from its western coast into the Sea of Japan. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missile was launched around 7.55am local time (1.55am Moscow Time) from a range in North Pyongan Province. The missile flew about 500 kilometers and fell into the Sea of Japan.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test was successful. It pointed out that North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, supervised the launch.