(unofficial translation)        

Government Statement on North Korea’s Missile Launch by the Republic of Korea

❏North Korea launched a de facto long-range missile, which the North calls an "application satellite", at 07:39 on April 13, 2012 at a launching site located in Cholsan-gun, North Pyongan province, and it has been confirmed that the launch has failed.

❏The launch by North Korea is a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1874, which prohibits any launch using ballistic missile technology, and it is a provocative act that threatens the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

❏The Government of the Republic of Korea strongly condemns that the new North Korean leadership pushed forward with the launch, disregarding the international community''s unified call for withdrawal of the launch. North Korea must be held duly accountable for its actions.

❏It is very regrettable that North Korea is spending enormous resources on developing nuclear and missile capabilities while ignoring the urgent welfare issue of the North Korean people such as chronic food shortages.

❏The Korean government is considering comprehensive measures to respond effectively against North Korea''s nuclear and missile threats, and will take countermeasures against the launch in close coordination with related countries and the international community.