Pyongyang says missile tests ‘self-defense’ against US

Seoul, Oct 8 (EFE).- North Korea’s recent missile launches are a self-defense measure against the United States, its National Aviation Administration (NAA) said Saturday.

“The missile test launch by the DPRK is a regular and planned self-defensive step for defending the country’s security and the regional peace from the U.S. direct military threats that have lasted for more than half a century,” the unnamed spokesman said in a statement published by North Korean state news agency KCNA.

Pyongyang also criticized the position of the United Nations Security Council, which met during the week to discuss the recent increase in tensions on the Korean Peninsula, specifically after the firing of a medium-range ballistic missile on Tuesday that flew over Japanese territory and unleashed condemnation from the international community.

The meeting, however, revealed the current fissure within the body, after Russia and China – both permanent members with the right to veto – distanced themselves from the general condemnation.

“The attempt of the U.S. and its vassal forces to keep the DPRK from exercising its right to self-defence is a blatant violation of the national rights running counter to the UN Charter,” the statement said.

Pyongyang has launched six missiles in the last 10 days, significantly increasing tension in the region, and coming after Seoul and Washington announced the return of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to waters off the Korean Peninsula. EFE

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