SEOUL, South Korea – The South Korean government released a statement right after North Korea’s missile launch on December 12th and stated, “This missile launch by North Korea poses a threat to the peace and security of not only the Korean Peninsula but the entire world.”
The statement was finally released to the media late last week.
This statement, which was made by Foreign Minister Kim, Sung Hwan right after the conclusion of an emergency NSC meeting hosted by President Lee at the Blue House, also noted, “The ROK government detected and confirmed North Korea’s long range missile launch yet again named as an ‘application satellite’ at 09:51:20 on 12 December, which was fired from a launch pad in Cheolsangun, Pyeongahnbukdo,”
In particular, Foreign Minister Kim strongly stated, “North Korea’s launch is a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 and 1718 which prohibits any launch using ballistic missile technology.”
He went on to emphasize, “Our government, along with the international community, strongly condemns North Korea for pushing ahead with such a provocation, for ignoring continuous warnings and calls for a withdrawal of the launch by the international community.”
Foreign Minister Kim also stated, “As warned thru the UN Security Council Presidential Statement in April, North Korea will face grave consequences. This launch will further isolate North Korea from the international community.”
He continued, “The ROK government once again urges North Korea to stop wasting enormous amount of finances in developing its nuclear program and missiles and use it to resolve the pressing needs of the people. The ROK government will maintain an impregnable readiness posture against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and any type of provocation. and will take corresponding measures by closely coordinating with the related nations and the international community.”
Prior to Foreign Minister Kim’s statement, President Lee received a report that North Korea fired a missile from the Senior Secretary to the President for National Crisis Management Ahn, Kwang Chan via a secure line after which the President immediately moved to the National Crisis Management center to receive a detailed situation report.
