On May 27 at 10:45 PM local time, North Korea, also known as North Korea, conducted what it described as “the launch of reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1-1 on board the new satellite launch vehicle” from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station.
According to the DPRK, the launch failed “due to the air burst of the new satellite launch vehicle during the maiden flight.” It attributed the failure to the “reliability” of the newly developed liquid oxygen-petroleum engine, Khaled Khiari, deputy secretary-general at the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), told ambassadors at the Security Council.
The development of a military reconnaissance satellite is part of North Korea’s five-year military development plan, which was unveiled in January 2021.
Since 2022, the country has significantly expanded its missile launch activities, including more than 100 launches using ballistic missile technology, in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. This year alone, the DPRK launched two intermediate-range solid-fuel ballistic missiles in January and April.
Violation of Security Council prohibitions
Before the latest launch, the DPRK notified the Japanese coast guard but did not inform the UN specialized agencies – International Civil Aviation Organization.ICAO) or the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
“The DPRK’s unannounced launches pose a serious risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic,” he warned.
He also underlined the need for the country to meet its international obligations.
“Sovereign states have the right to benefit from peaceful space activities,” he said.
“However, Security Council resolutions expressly prohibit the DPRK from conducting launches using ballistic missile technology.”
On May 28, the UN Secretary General said strongly condemned the launch attemptreiterating the call for the DPRK to return to dialogue to achieve lasting peace and complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Create space for dialogue
Mr Khiari stressed the urgent need for practical measures to reduce tensions and create space for diplomatic avenues.
“The Secretary General has emphasized the importance of re-establishing channels of communication, especially between military entities. Exercising maximum restraint is critical to avoid unintended escalation,” he said.
He also urged all Member States and members of the Security Council to strive for unity, and for all parties to create an environment conducive to dialogue and cooperation.
“At this particularly difficult moment in safeguarding global peace and security, it is imperative to de-escalate rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula,” he said.
UN ready to help
In addition to addressing security challenges, Mr. Khiari noted that the United Nations and its partners are ready to assist the DPRK in meeting the basic needs of its vulnerable populations.
As international traffic to and from North Korea increases, he encourages authorities to facilitate the full return of the international community, including the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team.
“A collective return would increase international support for the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and its implementation Agenda 2030”, he concluded.