Yesterday [Sunday, February 7] North Korea launched a rocket (containing a satellite) into space. This launch prompted the United Nations to call an emergency meeting to discuss the security of the world.
Sunday 9am North Korean time (7:30 PM EST Saturday) the Kwangmyongsong carrier rocket launched from Sohae launch facility. It entered orbit nine minutes and 46 seconds after lift off, according to North Korean officials. The launch was personally ordered by North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who has stated more launches of this kind will happen in the near future.
The launch, although officially stated to be purely scientific, is believed to be a front for a ballistic missile test. These accusations are not groundless being that North Korea last month tested a hydrogen bomb and has in the past made open threats toward other countries who do not share their same values.
At the UN Security Council meeting UN representatives “strongly condemned” the missile launch and all agree that this act is “a clear threat to international peace and safety.”
Previously, the United Nations has made threats they would “further significant measures” if North Korea were to ever again launch a missile. At the wake of this potential crisis the UN said they will now “adopt expeditiously a new Security Council with such measures in response to these dangerous and serious violations” according to Carlos Sosa Rodriguez, Venezuelan ambassador.
The South Korean President Park Geun-hye is now looking to the UN to deploy a defense system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. She’s quoted saying this launch is a “challenge to world peace.” They have also planned to reduce the amount of personnel at the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which is in-between both Koreas by 150. This downsizing is “in consideration of the safety” of the South Korean employees.
Hopefully this isn’t the beginning of a trend of threats from North Korea on international safety and peace. Only time will tell if this truly is an endeavor of “peace and science.”
