North Korea’s recent long range missile launch has being condemned by key members of the United Nations.
 
A draft Security Council resolution says the launch contravenes previous resolutions banning ballistic and nuclear tests.
 
The statement is considered a weaker response than the resolution initially sought by Japan and the US.
 
The US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said: “It makes it plain that this launch contravenes Security Council Resolution 1718. It demands that the DPRK not conduct any further launch and it calls upon the DPRK, as well as all member states, to fully implement their obligations under 1718.”
 
 
The UN move comes as the North Korean military held a rally to celebrate the re-election of Kim Jong Il as North Korea’s leader.
 
His recent appearance ended months of speculation over whether the 67 year old leader was healthy enough to rule the nuclear-armed communist country.

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