UNSC Holding Emergency Meeting on North Korean Rocket Launch

The UN Security Council is holding an extraordinary meeting over North Korea's long-range rocket and satellite launch.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, North Korea announced it had successfully launched the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite atop a long-range rocket.

The closed meeting began at 11:00 local time (16:00 GMT). A press statement will be approved during the consultations, Venezuela's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Rafael Ramirez told reporters ahead of the meeting.

Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Motohide Yoshikaw said that North Korea's actions breach the UN Security Council's resolutions. The launch can be called a satellite launch, but it involves ballistic missile technology, he said, adding that Japan will insist on a "harsh resolution."

Tensions over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs escalated after Pyongyang said on January 6 that it had successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test, triggering condemnation from the international community and prompting the UN Security Council to begin drafting an anti-DPRK resolution.

North Korea previously reported a successful satellite launch in 2012, in violation of the UN Security Council resolution.