Launch Condemned

The White House is condemning North Korea’s Dec. 11 missile launch, which defied United Nations Security Council resolutions.

U.S. missile warning systems detected and tracked the launch of a North Korean missile at 7:49 p.m. EST, NORAD said in a statement. “The missile was tracked on a southerly azimuth. Initial indications are that the first stage fell into the Yellow Sea,” the command stated. “The second stage was assessed to fall into the Philippine Sea. Initial indications are that the missile deployed an object that appeared to achieve orbit. At no time was the missile or the resultant debris a threat to North America.”

National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said the launch -- which used ballistic missile technology despite express prohibitions by United Nations Security Council resolutions -- “is a highly provocative act that threatens regional security, directly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874, contravenes North Korea’s international obligations, and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.”

“This action is yet another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behavior,” Vietor said. “The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and fully committed to the security of our allies in the region. Given this current threat to regional security, the United States will strengthen and increase our close coordination with allies and partners.”

On April 16, 2012, the United Nations Security Council expressed its “determination to take action accordingly in the event of a further [North Korean] launch.” Now, the United States will work with its Six-Party partners, the United Nations Security Council, and other U.N. member states to pursue “appropriate action,” Vietor said. “The international community must work in a concerted fashion to send North Korea a clear message that its violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions have consequences. The international community continues to insist that North Korea live up to its commitments, adhere to its international obligations, and deal peacefully with its neighbors.”