Clinton predicts UN action after DPRK launch

WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday that the UN Security Council will take further action if the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) goes ahead with its planned satellite launch.

"If Pyongyang goes forward, we will all be back in the Security Council to take further action," Clinton told reporters after the foreign ministers from the Group of Eight (G8) discussed their " concerns" about the DPRK's move. The G8 groups together the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Russia.

Clinton insisted that the launch will use "ballistic missile technology" which would violate UN Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874. The two relevant resolutions prohibit Pyongyang from conducting launches that use such technology.

"We all share an interest in fostering security and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and the best way to achieve that is for North Korea to live up to its word," said the US chief diplomat.

"We urge the North Korean leadership to honor its agreements and refrain from pursuing a cycle of provocation," Clinton said.

The DPRK announced last month its plan to launch an "earth observation" satellite between April 12 and 16 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. The upcoming launch has triggered global concerns.

It is reported that Pyongyang is done with the preparation and the launch is imminent.