The German Government condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s illegal launch by North Korea of an intercontinental ballistic missile. This missile launch is a further blatant violation of relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions, increases the tensions in the region in an irresponsible manner and endangers regional and international peace.

We urge North Korea to refrain from any action that would lead to further escalation, including additional ballistic missile tests or a potential further nuclear test. North Korea is obliged to implement the decisions of the Security Council in full and to enter into a dialogue on the complete, irreversible and verifiable ending of its programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.