Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the missile launch of North Korea as a "dangerous step", but warned not to intimidate Pyongyang. Speaking in China, Putin called for peaceful settlement of the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, said the Russian news Agency Sputnik.
"I would like to reiterate that we are strongly against the expansion of the nuclear club, including the Korean Peninsula," said Putin to reporters. "We are against this and believe it to be counterproductive, destructive, dangerous," he said. But in comments directed against the United States, he said "bullying is unacceptable".
For its part North Korea said the missile test was a response to the nuclear dangers and threats posed by the U.S. and its followers. "We will be testing an ICBM at any time and in any place in accordance with the decision of our Central leadership," - said the Ambassador of North Korea to China JI Jae Ryong on an improvised press conference at the country's Embassy in Beijing on Monday.
According to the state news Agency KCNA, North Korea has tested missiles Hwasong-12 Sunday, which reached a height of 2111,5 km (1312 miles) and flew the 787 kilometers (489 miles). KCNA said the test showed that North Korea "has all the powerful tools for retaliation" if Washington would undertake any military action to stop its nuclear program.
The Russian President urged all parties "to find a peaceful solution." Russia is one of the few countries that have diplomatic relations with North Korea. Father, Kim Jong-UN Kim Jong Il visited Moscow on a state visit during his reign in 2011, but in 2000, Putin visited Pyongyang.
Last month Russia and China supported the resolution of the UN Security Council condemning the previous missile launch, demanding that the DPRK "immediately" stopped the further actions that violate the resolution.
sections: Politics, Accidents |