The United Nations on Monday criticized North Korea following its latest weapons test, warning such action would only increase regional tensions.
North Korea onSaturday carried out a test of rocket launchers and unspecified tactical guidedweapons — a provocative move that appeared however to fall short of a returnto the missile launches that led to international sanctions in 2017.
“We are very much aware of the recent launches” byNorth Korea, UN spokesman StephaneDujarric told reporters. “Such an actionserves only to increase tensions in the region,” he added.UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres encouragesall sides to “continue their dialogue to advance sustainable peace and acomplete and verifiable denuclearization on the Korean peninsula,” saidDujarric. Following the test, the UnitedStates said it would continue to press on with talks with Pyongyang to scrapNorth Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. President Donald Trump has met twice withNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the latest summit in Hanoi collapsed overPyongyang’s demands for quick sanctions relief.