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Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

UN SC to meet behind closed doors to discuss North Korea’s missile launch

Earlier on Wednesday North Korea launched a ballistic missile from a submarine

TENSIONS ON THE KOREAN PENINSULA

Chinese top diplomat says still possible to resolve Korean Peninsula issue politically
South Korean president warns North Korea missile launches may hamper dialogue — Yonhap
Kim Jong-un says peace on Korean Peninsula fully depends on US position — KCNA
Putin emphasizes need to abandon rule of force to resolve situation on Korean Peninsula

UNITED NATIONS, August 24. /TASS/. The UN Security Council will meet in session behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon to discuss North Korea’s ballistic missile launch, a diplomat of one of the UN SC member-countries has said. The discussion was requested by the United States and Japan.

The time of the meeting has not been identified yet. Most probably it will take place after 15:00 local time (23:30 Moscow time), the source said on the condition of anonymity.

Earlier on Wednesday North Korea launched a ballistic missile from a submarine. According to the Japanese Defense Ministry the missile flew about 500 kilometers to fall in the Sea of Japan 80 kilometers inside the Japanese air defense identification zone. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the launch was an unforgivable violation of UN Security Council resolutions, fraught with a serious threat to peace and stability in the whole region."

Last time the UN Security Council gathered for a discussion of the situation in the Korean Peninsula on August 3 after another missile test by North Korea. According to diplomats, the US asked the UN Security Council to issue a statement for the press to condemn Pyongyang’s actions. The document failed to be agreed as the Chinese delegation made objections.

Earlier, the UN Security Council repeatedly criticized North Korea for ballistic missile launches and warned it might tighten sanctions. UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from any activities related with the development of nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles.

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Situation on the Korean Peninsula

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