The United Nations Security Council has condemned North Korea for its submarine launched ballistic missile test Saturday, calling it "another serious violation" of existing U.N. resolutions.
In a statement issued Sunday, the Council said these missile activities "contribute to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's development of nuclear weapons delivery systems," while increasing global tensions.
The statement also warned that the Security Council will "take further significant measures" against the North, just weeks after imposing tough new sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to comply with existing U.N. mandates.
Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency said the latest test, which was personally monitored by leader Kim Jong Un, proved the reliability of its submerged launching system. However, South Korea called the test a failure, noting that the missile traveled only 30 kilometers before falling into the sea. The flight was well short of the minimum 300 kilometer range for the type of missile tested, and one Seoul government source said the missile’s engine malfunctioned shortly after it was launched.
Earlier, U.S. President Barack Obama said it is "clear that North Korea is actively engaged in provocative behavior." During a visit to Germany, Obama also dismissed a North Korean offer to impose a moratorium on nuclear tests if the U.S. suspends annual military drills with South Korea.