1. The Government of the Republic of Korea expresses grave concern over North Korea’s plan to launch a long-range missile in the name of “a working satellite” between December 10 and 22 despite the international community’s repeated warnings.

2. North Korea’s repeated attempt to launch a long-range missile, despite the Statement by the President of the Security Council in response to the April 13 launch warning that the launch is a serious violation of UNSC resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009) and that North Korea should not proceed with any further provocations, is a grave provocation that utterly disregards the concerns and warnings of the international community and a flagrant defiance towards the international community.

3. North Korea must realize that any launch using ballistic missile technology is prohibited by relevant UNSC resolutions and that such repeated provocations have only further isolated itself from the international community. North Korea must immediately withdraw its missile-launch attempt and abide by those UNSC resolutions.

4. The Government of the Republic of Korea will closely cooperate with the international community, including the participating countries of the Six-Party Talks, so that North Korea ceases such a provocative action. Moreover, we strictly warn that if North Korea were to push ahead with the launch, it will be confronted with a strong response from the international community as clearly stated in the UNSC Presidential Statement in April.

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation