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N Korea launches long-range rocket in defiance of UN sanctions

North Korea has launched a long-range rocket which it claims is carrying 'a satellite'.

The launch was made in defiance of United Nations sanctions barring Pyongyang from using ballistic missile technology.

The US strongly condemned the event as a "destabilising and provocative action".

An emergency meeting of UN Security Council members is to be held to agree a collective response.

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Hammond 'strongly condemns' N Korea rocket launch

Philip Hammond condemns North Korea's rocket launch. Credit: Reuters

The Foreign Secretary has condemned North Korea's "ballistic missile technology test" saying the country's actions were "a threat to regional and international security".

Philip Hammond will attend an emergency meeting with UN Security Council members to agree a collective response.

I strongly condemn North Korea's ballistic missile technology test. This is a clear and deliberate violation of a number of UN Security Council Resolutions. North Korea's actions continue to present a threat to regional and international security.

In conducting this provocation, North Korea has clearly demonstrated that it is intent on prioritising the development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes over improving the well-being of its own people.

As North Korea is aware, the UN Security Council unanimously agreed to take significant measures against any further launches or nuclear tests. We will now meet with our partners in New York to agree a collective response.

– Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary
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N Korea launches long-range rocket in defiance of UN sanctions

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