Turkey condemns North Korean missile launch

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA

Turkey condemned North Korea’s latest missile test on Monday and called on the isolated state to stop its “provocative behaviour”.

“We strongly condemn the ballistic missile launch conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 21 May 2017, which constitutes a flagrant violation of UN Security Council resolutions,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that Sunday’s missile launch was “in total disregard of appeals by the international community and opportunities for dialogue” and endangered regional security.

“We once again call upon the DPRK to cease its provocative behavior, which harms peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

The test was the eighth missile launch by Pyongyang this year, according to the South Korean military. The medium-range missile flew around 560 kilometers (350 miles) towards the Sea of Japan, military chiefs added.

Recent tests follow the election of South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has pledged to boost dialogue with the North.

Pyongyang is barred from nuclear and ballistic missile testing under UN Security Council resolutions, a prohibition it has routinely ignored.