North Korea won’t rein in missile tests despite pressure

TEHRAN,Dec.31(MNA)--North Korea launched its second long-range rocket of 2012 in mid-December, but the move was immediately criticized by Japan, South Korea, and Western countries. After North Korea’s controversial nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009, the United Nations Security Council issued resolutions demanding that Pyongyang refrain from conducting every type of nuclear and missile test so the security of the East Asia region could be maintained. However, North Korea only accepted the first condition and has continued launching long-range rockets, despite the protests by regional and global powers. In April, a North Korean rocket launch was aborted less than two minutes into its flight, and the recent launch was made after the country upgraded the rocket. North Korean officials say the Unha-3 rocket put an Earth-observation satellite into orbit and was part of the country’s peaceful space program. But critics say Pyongyang was testing a disguised ballistic missile that could fly more than 6,200 miles, with a nuclear warhead weighing about 1,100 to 1,300 pounds. Some pundits say that North Korea is making such provocative moves to acquire more concessions from the West, especially to help its ailing economy. But others say that despite the heavy economic sanctions imposed on North Korea, the country is successfully proceeding with its scientific and research projects. The recent rocket launch will definitely have repercussions for Pyongyang, and Western countries and their regional allies may impose more sanctions on the country. However, China and Russia will continue to support North Korea and will also continue their efforts to organize multilateral talks to resolve the disputes between North Korea and other countries. Esmaeil Bashari is an expert on disarmament at the Center for Strategic Research of Iran’s Expediency Council. (By Esmaeil Bashari)