Russia expressed "deep regret" over North Korea's rocket launch on Wednesday, saying the reclusive nation had violated a U.N. Security Council resolution limiting its use of ballistic technology.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the North Korean launch had increased instability in the region and called on other nations to refrain from actions that would further escalate tensions.
The UN Security Council is meeting for emergency consultations on North Korea’s launch earlier today of a carrier rocket with a satellite on board.
The consultations are due on Wednesday at the UN Headquarters, according to an informed source.
The Unha-3 booster with the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite on board blasted off from the Sohae launching site on Wednesday morning.
According to the Korean Central News Agency of DPRK, the satellite has since been successfully placed into orbit.
The world community suspects that Pyongyang is actually engaged in test-firing ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.
North Korea is banned from test-firing this kind of missile by relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
UN leader Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday condemned North Korea's missile launch as a "provocative act" in clear breach of UN Security Council resolutions, his spokesman said.
"The secretary-general is concerned about the negative consequences that this provocative act may have on peace and stability in the region," said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky.
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