This missile was launched on October 31 at 7.11 am local time, which flew for about 1.26 hours and during this time the missile covered a distance of 1000 km.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Mohammad Khaled Khairi told delegates that North Korea (DPRK) described its latest missile launch as a very important test.
According to the UN official, the missile launch increased the DPRK’s strategic missile capability. He said, this ballistic missile named Hwasong-19 has set new records in terms of flight duration and altitude.
It is the second solid-fuel ballistic missile developed by the DPRK, which does not require fuel before launch. It is said to be larger and can load more warheads than its predecessor (missile) Hwasong-18.
It was North Korea’s 11th intercontinental ballistic missile launch since announcing a five-year military plan in 2021.
The assistant secretary-general said tensions were rising on the Korean peninsula and that the DPRK was violating Security Council resolutions by pursuing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
This has the potential to undermine the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. In view of this, he emphasized on taking decisive steps to reduce tensions and retreat from this dangerous path.
Emphasis on diplomatic efforts
Khaled Khairy said that launching missiles without any safety precautions poses a serious risk to the international civil aviation system and maritime traffic and has the potential to occur without any intention.
He noted that several Security Council meetings in 2023 and 2024 had made appeals to refrain from missile tests, but the DPRK had ignored them.
The UN official said another intercontinental ballistic missile test was a cause for deep concern and a major threat to regional stability.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the missile launch and appealed for de-escalation and adherence to international resolutions.
He stressed that diplomatic efforts are the only path to sustainable peace and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.