“In light of the current challenges in maintaining global peace and security, it is crucial to decrease tensions on the Korean Peninsula in order to promote cooperation,” stated Khaled Khiari, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific.

According to government sources and the official news agency of the DPRK, Mr. Khiari gave a report to the Council following the most recent launch that occurred at 8:24 AM on Monday in local time.

There have been a total of five launches this year.

The Hwasong-18 ICBM successfully flew 1,000 kilometers and reached an altitude of 6,500 kilometers before landing in the sea.

The statement reported that this was the fifth time an ICBM had been launched this year. The previous launches included a Hwasong-15 in February, a Hwasong-17 in March, and solid-fuel Hwasong-18 missiles in both April and July. It was also noted that these systems have the ability to reach many locations on the planet.

Last month, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), more commonly referred to as North Korea, stated that it had conducted two successful trials of a new engine for a medium-range ballistic missile that uses solid fuel.

Secretary-General’s condemnation 

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has strongly denounced the launch on December 18th and urged North Korea to fully adhere to its international responsibilities as outlined in all applicable resolutions by the Security Council.

The UN Secretary-General restated his urge for the nation to resume dialogue without any conditions in order to achieve lasting peace and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He also urged for communication channels to be reopened.

Mr. Khiari stressed that the launch of yet another ICBM is of serious concern, noting that despite numerous Council meetings on the matter this year, the DPRK did not heed its strong call to refrain.

Violating Council resolutions 

“Unfortunately, the DPRK has once again failed to release any notifications regarding airspace or maritime safety. These launches without prior warning pose a significant threat to international civil aviation and maritime transportation,” he stated.

On November 21, it was reported that the DPRK had successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite into orbit using ballistic missile technology. The announcement was made that the country plans to launch multiple reconnaissance satellites in a short period of time.

Mr. Khiari stated that any use of ballistic missile technology by the DPRK would be a violation of Security Council resolutions. He strongly urges the DPRK to avoid taking such actions.

Practice diplomacy, forsake isolation.

The speaker encouraged Council Members to come together and utilize dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation while following all Security Council resolutions. He also advised the DPRK to prioritize diplomacy instead of isolating themselves.

In addition, Mr. Khiari emphasized the importance of addressing the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations in the DPRK and stated that the UN is prepared to offer assistance in this regard.

The speaker stated that there has been an increase in international travel to and from the DPRK. They also urged the DPRK to allow for the return and rotation of the international community, including the UN Resident Coordinator and UN agencies.

The source of this information is the United Nations News.