Swiss slam North Korean rocket test
Switzerland has joined other western nations in condemning a North Korean rocket test, seen by critics as disguised long-range missile technology development.
The foreign ministry said the test carried out on Friday was in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.
It called on all sides to refrain from any activity that risked increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula and to solve any differences through dialogue. Both Japan and South Korea had threatened to shoot rocket down if it threatened their territory.
“Switzerland urges North Korea to immediately suspend all activities linked to its ballistic missile programme,” a statement said.
Pyongyang said the aim of the rocket was to launch a satellite into orbit – marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of national founder Kim Il-sung.
However, North Korean officials confirmed the launch had not been successful, as the “observation satellite failed to enter into preset orbit”.
Two similar tests with rockets apparently designed to carry nuclear warheads also failed in 2006 and 2009.
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