NKorea ‘rejects’ UN statement against missile tests

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL (AA) – North Korea accused the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of bias Saturday, as the already heavily sanctioned state hit back at the global body’s recent statement against the North’s latest ballistic missile tests.

The Security Council wasted little time in condemning North Korea’s double launch of mid-range projectiles last Wednesday, as Pyongyang is barred from developing ballistic missile technology along with nuclear testing under multiple UN resolutions.

“We totally reject this UNSC press statement, which is devoid of impartiality and a product of double standards,” said a spokesperson from Pyongyang’s foreign ministry.

The North’s rebuttal, carried by the state-run KCNA news agency, also blamed the United States for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula -- and reiterated Pyongyang’s consistent argument that it is developing weapons as a defensive measure.

Saturday marked 66 years since the start of the 1950-53 Korean War, but there was still no sign of a treaty to finally bring peace to a conflict that ended in a ceasefire.

South Korea has refused to accept Pyongyang’s repeated calls for talks in the last few weeks.

The South’s prime minister, Hwang Kyo-ahn, criticized North Korea’s push for dialogue as “deceiving” when delivering a commemoration speech in line with the anniversary.

“Although years have passed since the cease of gunfire, our security remains unstable as a divided country," reflected Hwang in comments relayed by local news agency Yonhap.

“The government will protect the peace of the Korean Peninsula against North Korea's provocations based on thorough preparations and cooperation with the international community.”

North Korea was hit by strengthened UN sanctions in March following its fourth ever nuclear test and subsequent long-range rocket launch.

Pyongyang’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper referred to the anniversary by highlighting the North’s rise to become “a powerful nuclear state”.

It was an apparent warning aimed at the U.S., which fought on the South Korean side during the Korean War -- their alliance continues with nearly 30,000 American military personnel stationed in the South.