UNSC Condemns NK Missile Launches

The U.N. Security Council Monday condemned North Korea's recent firing of seven ballistic missiles on U.S. Independence Day, the reclusive country's biggest display of firepower in three years, The Associated Press reported Tuesday.

Uganda U.N. Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda, who holds the 15-member council's rotating presidency, said the council members ``condemned and expressed grave concern'' at the missile launches, which violated U.N. resolutions and ``pose a threat to regional and international security.''

The council will continue to closely monitor the situation and is committed to a ``peaceful, diplomatic and political solution,'' he was quoted as saying by AP.

On Saturday, North Korea fired seven missiles into the ocean off its eastern coast in violation of three U.N. resolutions.

Security Council members agreed that Pyongyang ``must comply fully with its obligations'' under the resolutions, Rugunda said.

North Korea's missile tests aggravated tensions that were already high after its May 25 underground nuclear test blast.

The council punished the North after its May nuclear test with a resolution and tough sanctions clamping down on alleged trading of banned arms and weapons-related material, including authorizing searches of suspect ships.