In the fallout of North Korea’s long-range rocket launch on April 5th, the United Nations Security Council has unanimously condemned the act and has ordered financial sanctions and an arms embargo on the country.
In turn, North Korea has responded to the outcome with outrage – maintaining still that the launch was an attempt to launch a satellite into orbit. An attempt that state-run media propagates to have been successful despite wide reports outside the country that the rocket crashed into the Pacific Ocean.
“There is no need for the six party talks anymore. We will never again take part in such talks and will not be bound by any agreements reached at the talks,” the North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement that “resolutely condemns” the UN verdict.
In addition, government officials in Pyongyang have said it will restart operations at the Yongbyon nuclear reactor – the plant which provided the fuel for nuclear tests in 2006.