We are forced to state that Pyongyang has ignored the global community’s appeals and has again demonstrated provocative disregard of international law.

It is obvious that these actions will dramatically increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeastern Asia as a whole as they play into the hands of those who support the bloc policy and military escalation, as well as cause serious damage to the region’s security, mainly to North Korea itself.

We strongly protest against the course chosen by Pyongyang. We recommend that Pyongyang leaders consider whether a policy of confrontation with the global community meets the country’s interests.

February 7, 2016