UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, North Korea announced it had successfully launched the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite atop a long-range rocket.
Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Motohide Yoshikaw said that North Korea's actions breach the UN Security Council's resolutions. The launch can be called a satellite launch, but it involves ballistic missile technology, he said, adding that Japan will insist on a "harsh resolution."
Tensions over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs escalated after Pyongyang said on January 6 that it had successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test, triggering condemnation from the international community and prompting the UN Security Council to begin drafting an anti-DPRK resolution.
North Korea previously reported a successful satellite launch in 2012, in violation of the UN Security Council resolution.
