A DPRK's KRT TV presenter announces the successful launch of a long-range rocket by North Korea in this Dec 12, 2012, still image taken from TV.[Photo/Agencies]

Japan strongly protests against DPRK's satellite launch

TOKYO -- Japan on Wednesday strongly protested against a satellite launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying the launch was "unacceptable" and violates the United Nations' relative resolutions. More

Philippines strongly condemns DPRK rocket launching

MANILA -- The Philippine government on Wednesday "strongly condemns" the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK's) rocket launching, saying that it violated an UN resolution. More

New Zealand condemns DPRK satellite launch

WELLINGTON  -- The New Zealand government Wednesday condemned the launch of a satellite using long-range ballistic missile technology by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said the DPRK had once again blatantly defied United Nations Security Council resolutions and ignored international appeals not to proceed with the launch.

"This action can only aggravate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and set back efforts to build peace and stability in the region," McCully said in a statement.

"New Zealand urges North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and missile programs, focus its resources on improving the lives of its people, and engage constructively with the international community."

In April, New Zealand joined other nations in condemning the DPRK's failed attempt to launch a satellite.