UN chief condemns N. Korea launch of possible long-range missile

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned North Korea's launch of a "ballistic missile of possible intercontinental range," his spokesman was quoted by the New York Times as saying.

North Korea fired a missile on Friday that the Pentagon and South Korea military assessed as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). U.S. and South Korean military officials began discussing military options.

Condemning North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Russia and China bear "unique and special responsibility" for Pyongyang's "relentless" pursuit of nuclear weapons.

He blamed Russia and China for being the "principal economic enablers" of the reclusive regime's nuclear weapons program, despite its violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

Tillerson urged all nations to "take a strong public stance" against North Korea. He asked them to strengthen UN sanctions to ensure North Korea faces "consequences for its relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them".

Source: MENA