World responds to failure of North Korea rocket launch

Friday, April 13, 2012 | 17:23:47

North Korean central News agency KCNA admitted on Thursday that the satellite failed to reach orbit after its launch. Earlier the US, South Korean and Japanese news sources reported that the missile had fallen into the sea one or two minutes after lift-off. The South Korean military confirmed that the broken pieces landed in the water some 210 kilometers from the port city of Gunsan.

World responds to failure of North Korea rocket launch - ảnh 1

Washington said the missile launch, although it failed, had violated international law, broken Pyongyang recent commitment, and threatened regional security. The US said it will continue to watch for hostile acts by North Korea and keep its pledge to ensure security for its allies in the region. But US President Barack Obama said he would be ready to engage Pyongyang in a constructive manner.

Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan said the North must be held responsible for the missile launch as it violated a UN sanction.

Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka has confirmed that North Korea’s rocket fell into the ocean, but did not affect Japan’s territory. According to Japanese broadcaster NHK, the rocket flew for 129km and then broke into 4 pieces over the Yellow Sea.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague issued a statement expressing deep concern over the North’s attempted satellite launch and calling for a strong response from the international community. He said that using ballistic missile technology to launch a satellite is a violation of the UN resolution. Hague said Britain will call North Korea’s ambassador to Britain today and warn him “to expect a strong response from the international community if Korea continues to develop its missile and nuclear capabilities.”

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also condemned the launch as a violation of international obligations that will increase tensions on the Korean peninsula. Westerwelle called on the UN Security Council to deliver a tough response to Pyongyang’s action.

The UN Security Council has ordered an emergency meeting to discuss the issue. Japan and South Korea will also hold an emergency security meeting to discuss their response.