(LEAD) N. Korea says it 'never recognizes' IMO resolution condemning its missile launches

North Korea 16:03 June 08, 2023

(ATTN: ADDS comments from South Korea's foreign ministry in last 3 paras)

SEOUL, June 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Thursday it "rejects and never recognizes" the latest resolution adopted by an international maritime safety agency denouncing the North's missile launches following its attempt to launch a spy satellite.

A spokesperson at the North's Maritime Administration denounced the resolution by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as "unfair and illegal" and demanded the agency reflect the North's stance in its official document, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Last week, the IMO adopted its first-ever resolution "strongly" condemning North Korea's missile tests, following Pyongyang's failed launch of its first military spy satellite on May 31.

The North's official said the IMO had told the North that it is not obligatory to inform the U.N. agency of a satellite launch plan, as navigation warning is directly delivered to vessels through the world navigational warning system in case of a satellite launch.

"Therefore, we cannot but express strong regret and displeasure at the fickle attitude of the organization," the spokesman was quoted as saying by the KCNA.

North Korea had notified Japan and the IMO of its plan to launch a satellite between May 31 and June 11. In response to the IMO resolution, the North hinted it may forgo a prior notice to the U.N. maritime safety agency for its future satellite launch.

Meanwhile, South Korea's foreign ministry voiced "deep regret" over the North's latest statement.

"We express deep regret over North Korea for shifting the responsibility of its illicit actions onto others while warning that provocations in the future could be staged without prior notice and threatening the international community," Ahn Eun-ju, the ministry's deputy spokesperson, said in a regular press briefing.

Ahn urged Pyongyang to abide by the U.N. Security Council resolutions and drop its plans to launch the spy satellite, saying it poses a serious threat to the security of the region and the safety of crew members on vessels.