UNITED NATIONS, March 27, /ITAR-TASS/. The short-range ballistic missile tests that were carried out by North Korea on Wednesday impede the creation of an atmosphere of trust on the Korean Peninsula, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned. He expressed growing concern over the continuation of missile tests by Pyongyang, contrary to the UN Security Council resolutions.
“Such launches are contrary to building trust in the region. The Secretary-General urges the DPRK (North Korea) to cease its ballistic missile activities and focus, together with other countries concerned, on the dialogue and diplomacy necessary to maintain regional peace and security,” says a statement released by the UN press office.
DPRK on Wednesday carried out tests of two ballistic missiles in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) area. According to South Korean defence sources, the medium-range missiles of the Rodong type, launched with an interval of 10 minutes from the area of Sukchon north of Pyongyang flew about 650 kilometres. The first over the past five years launches by North Korea of the Rodong missiles were carried out on the eve of the largest ever joint military manoeuvres of the United States and South Korea - Foal Eagle.
According to resolutions of the UN Security Council, it is prohibited to the DPRK to conduct any activity linked with ballistic missiles and nuclear technology. On Monday, the North’s deputy ambassador to the UN, Ri Tong Il, told reporters that the adoption of the UNSC resolutions had been rigged by the United States and therefore Pyongyang would never recognise these measures as legitimate.
In the run-up to the American - South Korean manoeuvres, North Korea has also carried out launches of 46 short-range missiles. According to Ri Tong Il, they were made within the framework of planned exercises of strategic forces.