North Korea tensions rise as ambassador summoned to explain missile launches
BRITAIN hauled in North Korea's ambassador yesterday to protest about the rogue state's launch of a ballistic missile on Sunday.
North Korea's ambassador was summoned to explain Sunday's apparent ballistics missile test
The missile, which Pyongyang claims launched a satellite, is seen as the latest step in North Korea's quest to be able to put the US within range of its nuclear weapons.
The missile test came a month after North Korea's unpredictable young leader Kin Jong Un claimed to have tested the country's first H-bomb.
But yesterday Asia minister Hugo Swire summoned Hyon Hak Bong to the Foreign Office to condemn the missile launch in "the strongest terms".
Last month Kin Jong Un claimed to have tested the country’s first H-bomb
Why is North Korea testing missiles?
Mr Swire told the diplomat that North Korea's actions "continue to present a threat to regional and international security".
I fully support the UN Security Council's strong condemnation of this launch
After the meeting Mr Swire said: "I fully support the UN Security Council's strong condemnation of this launch. This test, even if characterised as a space launch vehicle or launch of a satellite, clearly contributes to North Korea's development of nuclear weapon delivery systems and is a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.
"This launch is regrettable evidence that North Korea continues to prioritise the development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes over the well-being of its own people.
"The UK is working closely with international partners at the UN to agree a collective response to this latest provocation."
The launch is seemingly the latest step in North Korea’s quest to be able to put the US in danger
Pyongyang claim the launch was a satellite