The repeated launches of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), also known as North Korea, not only violate the resolutions of the Security Councilbut pose a serious risk to air and maritime traffic, declared Khaled Khiari, the deputy secretary general of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) on Friday.
At 22:45 local time on May 27, North Korea conducted what it described as “the launch of the Malligyong-1-1 reconnaissance satellite aboard the new-type satellite carrier rocket” from the Satellite Launch Station. by Sohae.
The UN official explained that, according to North Korean authorities, the launch failed “due to the explosion of the new-type satellite-carrying rocket during the flight of the first stage,” attributing the failure to the “reliability” of the rocket. Newly developed liquid oxygen and petroleum mixing engine.
The development of a military reconnaissance satellite is part of North Korea’s five-year military development planpresented in January 2021.
Since 2022, the country has significantly increased its missile launch activities, including more than 100 launches using ballistic missile technology. This year alone, North Korea has launched two solid-fueled intermediate-range ballistic missiles in January and April.
Violation of Security Council prohibitions
Before the latest launch, North Korea sent a notification to the Japanese coast guard, but did not notify specialized UN agencies: the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) nor the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
“North Korea’s unannounced launches pose a serious risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic,” Khiari warned.
He also stressed the need for the country to comply with its international obligations: “Sovereign States have the right to benefit from peaceful space activities (…) However, Security Council resolutions expressly prohibit North Korea from carrying out any launch using technology.” of ballistic missiles.”
On May 28, the General secretary of the UN, Antonio Guterres, strongly condemned the launch attempt and reiterated the call for North Korea to resume dialogue in order to achieve sustainable peace and the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Create a space for dialogue
Khiari highlighted the urgent need to adopt practical measures to reduce tensions and create space for diplomatic avenues.
“The Secretary General has emphasized the importance of reestablishing communication channels, particularly between military entities. Exercising maximum restraint is essential to avoid involuntary escalation,” he declared.
He also urged all Member States, and members of the Security Council, to seek unity, and all parties to create an environment conducive to dialogue and cooperation.
“At this particularly difficult time to ensure global peace and security, it is imperative to reduce the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula,” the UN official said.
In addition to addressing security concerns, Khiari noted that The United Nations and its partners stand ready to help North Korea meet the basic needs of its vulnerable populations.
With international travel to and from North Korea increasing, he encouraged authorities to facilitate the full return of the international community, including the UN resident coordinator and the Country Team.
“A collective return would improve international support for the people of North Korea and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda,” he concluded.
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