1st LD Writethru: U.N. chief slams Sunday launch of ballistic missile by DPRK

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Monday strongly condemned the Feb. 12 test-launch of yet another ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"This action is a further troubling violation of (U.N.) Security Council resolutions," Guterres said in a statement issued here by his spokesman. "The DPRK leadership must return to full compliance with its international obligations and to the path of denuclearization," the statement said.

"The secretary-general appeals to the international community to continue to address this situation in a united manner," the statement said.

The DPRK Monday claimed it had successfully test-fired Pukguksong-2, a surface-to-surface medium- and long-range ballistic missile, and its top leader Kim Jong Un guided the test firing, according to the state news agency KCNA.

The U.N. Security Council is expected to hold consultations on the missile test, diplomats said here.

Meanwhile, China said Monday that it is opposed to the DPRK's test-launch of the ballistic missile, which is in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

China calls for all parties concerned to exercise restraint and jointly maintain stability in the region, Geng Shuang, a spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a routine press briefing. Endi