France condemns latest North Korean missile launch

By Hajer M'tiri

PARIS (AA)- France denounced on Wednesday the most recent missile launch by North Korea.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement that he "utterly condemned the missile launch that North Korea has carried out today.

"France expresses its solidarity with Japan and South Korea, which are on the front line against this threat."

Earlier, Pyongyang’s state-run KCNA news agency said the test involved a Hwasong-15, capable of carrying out a nuclear strike on "the whole mainland of the U.S."

The launch came after more than two months without a North Korean nuclear or missile test, but the country tested a pair of Hwasong-14s in July and it has repeatedly ignored global efforts to deter such "provocations" through sanctions.

However, Pyongyang insisted in Wednesday’s announcement that it will "make every possible effort to serve the noble purpose of defending the peace and stability of the world".

"As I have reiterated several times, the continuation of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic programme, in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, undermines the non-proliferation system and jeopardizes regional and international security," Le Drian said.

"I reiterate my strong belief that -- more than ever -- it is time to step up pressure and sanctions," he added.

North Korea often justifies its development of nuclear weapons as a measure aimed at countering alleged U.S. aggression.