US condemns "destabilizing" North Korea missile launch

WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (KUNA) -- A missile launch that North Korea claims is intended to take a satellite to space was condemned by the Obama Administration late Saturday and called "destabilizing and provocative." In a statement, National Security Adviser Susan Rice said the launch used ballistic missile technology, and "is a flagrant violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions." "North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programs represent serious threats to our interests - including the security of some of our closest allies - and undermine peace and security in the broader region," she added.
"The United States is fully committed to the security of our allies in the region, and we will take all necessary steps to defend ourselves and our allies and respond to North Korean provocations," Rice affirmed. (end) ys.tg