Germany says North Korea rocket launch an "irresponsible provocation"

BERLIN: North Korea´s launch of a long-range rocket on Sunday is an "irresponsible provocation", German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

"I strongly condemn today´s launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea. The country has once again ignored warnings by the international community," Steinmeier said in a statement.

"The rocket launch is an irresponsible provocation, which disregards internationally-binding UN security council resolutions and is putting regional security on the line once
again," he added.

Steinmeier said Sunday´s emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was an important signal and called on all partners to support firm steps.