US Condemns North Korea’s Failed Rocket Launch

The World

Washington and its allies have condemned North Korea for launching a satellite rocket which broke up over the sea shortly after take-off.

Accusing the communist state of threatening regional security, the US said North Korea had isolated itself still further from the outside world.

In an unusual step, the North admitted the launch had failed but its planned celebrations in Pyongyang went ahead.

After holding closed-door talks, the UN Security Council deplored the launch.

A statement read by the current chair, US ambassador Susan Rice, said the launch was in breach of UNSC resolutions 1718 and 1874.

She said consultations on an appropriate response would continue, “given the urgency of the matter”.

The US has now canceled a proposed food aid deal with North Korea.

Anchor Marco Werman talks with The World’s Asia correspondent Mary Kay Magistad about Pyongyang’s intentions.

Will you support The World today?

The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!