North Korea launches long-range rocket, angers UN, neighbours

North Korea claimed it has successfully launched a satellite into orbit. The United Nations “strongly condemned” the rocket launch, fearing that it was just a front to test a ballistic missile.

The hermit nation’s state TV announced it has put the satellite Kwangmyongsong-4 into space. It is now orbiting the earth every 94 minutes, the announcement said, adding Pyongyang will continue to launch satellites in the future. Leader Kim Jong Un ordered and directed the launch.

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Korean Central News Agency also released a still image of a white long-range rocket lifting off. According to reports, the rocket launched 9:30 a.m. Seoul time (11:30 a.m. Sydney) on Sunday. A South Korean official from the Defence Ministry told CNN that a piece of debris believed to be from the missile was recovered by a navy vessel from the ocean. The object is now being analysed.

Although Pyongyang claims the rocket was part of its space program and is of scientific nature, doubts have been raised as to the country’s claim. North Korea is believed to have one satellite already in orbit, the Kwangmyongsong 3-2. What the US, South Korea and other countries fear is that the satellite is actually a nuclear missile. The launch followed Pyongyang’s nuclear test on Jan. 6. The Unha rocket is believed to be based on the Taepodong long-range ballistic missile, which has around 9,000 kilometres estimated range and would put Australia among other countries in range.

Upon learning of the launch, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting, saying it will push for sanctions resolutions against North Korea.

“The members of the Security Council strongly condemn this launch,” Venezuelan ambassador Rafael Dario Ramirez Carreno told reporters. He added that Pyongyang’s rocket launch was a “serious violation” of the council’s resolutions.

This has been echoed by other countries, including North Korean ally, China, which has been fighting against tougher sanctions against the country.

“With regards to the DPRK’s (North Korea) insistence on implementing a launch of missile technology in the face of international opposition, China expresses regret,” foreign ministry rep Hua Chunying said.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also condemned Pyongyang’s missile launch, saying it was “totally unacceptable.”

“Today’s missile launch, which follows a recent nuclear test, is a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolutions. We will resolutely take measures, acting in cooperation with the international community. We also intend to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and peace of mind of the Japanese people,” Abe responded to a reporter’s question.

The US, meanwhile, reiterated the need for “even firmer” response to North Korea’s move. “We will ensure that the Security Council imposes serious consequences,” US Ambassador Samantha Power told reporters.