We condemn North Korea’s illegal launch of a medium-range ballistic missile today in the strongest possible terms. This launch follows the testing of several short-range ballistic missiles on 18 March and one medium-range missile on 14 January. It is worrying that North Korea is this year continuing its series of missile tests, which are contrary to international law, and is thereby endangering both regional and global security.

This launch constitutes a further grave violation of North Korea’s obligations under the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

We urge North Korea to refrain from further missile tests, to fulfil its obligations under international law, to accept the offers of dialogue put forward by the United States and South Korea and to enter into serious negotiations on the dismantling of its illegal nuclear and missile programmes. North Korea is under an obligation to completely, verifiably and irreversibly end its programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.