S. Korea 'strongly condemns' N.K. ICBM launch, warns diplomatic isolation

SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea "strongly condemned" North Korea's midnight launch of an intercontinental-range ballistic missile Saturday, warning of diplomatic isolation and economic pressure.

The missile was fired into the East Sea from the vicinity of Mupyong-ri, Jagang Province, at around 11:41 p.m. Friday, the second launch of a ballistic missile that can fly as far as part of the United States in July.

It soared to an altitude of around 3,700 kilometers, where it flew for more than 1,000 km before landing in the waters between Korea and Japan, according to the South Korean military.

"The government strongly condemns the latest provocation, which is an obvious violation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and poses a grave threat to the peace and security of not only the Korean Peninsula but also the globe," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

It stressed that North Korea committed another provocation even while the UNSC is discussing its response to their previous missile launch on July 4.

"North Korea should keep in mind that what it would earn with its continuous provocations will be only diplomatic isolation and economic pressure," the ministry warned. It also made it clear that North Korea will not earn a status as a nuclear power through the repetition of nuclear and missile provocations.

"The government will continue to strengthen cooperation with the international community, including the UNSC so the latest provocation can be met with a stern response," according to the ministry.

Still, Seoul wants Pyongyang to respond to its offer for dialogue because only commitment to denuclearization can guarantee security and economic development of North Korea, it also said, referring to Seoul's suggestion made two weeks earlier.

"As a responsible and directly concerned party, we will ceaselessly work toward the denuclearization, and the peace and stability of the peninsula with patience and persistence," it said.

pbr@yna.co.kr
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