Seoul, April 24 (IANS) South Korea on Sunday strongly denounced North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile from a submarine in what Seoul said was a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Seoul's foreign ministry said South Korea strongly condemned North Korea's test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) on Saturday in eastern waters off the coastal town of Sinpo, Xinhua news agency reported.
Regardless of whether it had succeeded or not, the launch was in a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and the test-firing came in less than 10 days after the UN urged Pyongyang to exercise restraint following the launch of a Musudan ballistic missile on April 15, the ministry said.
South Korea has repeatedly warned of stronger and sterner response to North Korea's provocations, Seoul will step up efforts to encourage the international community to put more pressure and sanctions on Pyongyang while faithfully implementing the existing UN Security Council resolutions, the ministry said.
The statement came hours after North Korea reported successful launch of a ballistic missile from a submarine. The test was guided by top North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
North Korea-style SLBM met all technical thresholds to carry out an underwater attack operation that targets South Korea and the US. It marked the second time since May 9, 2015 that Pyongyang announced its successful test of an SLBM.
