In These New Times

From Daily Mail

6th April, 2009

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China and Russia have united to block any UN action over a North Korean test launch of a long-range missile.

The move came hours after President Obama set out his vision of a world free of nuclear weapons yesterday.

Analysts said Sunday’s launch of the rocket – which flew over Japan during its 3,200 km (2,000 mile) flight – was effectively a test of a ballistic missile designed to carry a warhead as far as the U.S. state of Alaska.

Last night the United Nations failed to agree on a response to the launch despite pressure from Washington and its allies for action, while regional powers weighed the extent of the new security threat.
US President Barack Obama

US President Barack Obama speaking in Prague today, has vowed to involve all states with atomic weapons in the process of disarmament

Japan had called for the emergency UN Security Council session minutes after the launch. But the 15 members agreed only to discuss the matter further, diplomats said.

The United States, Japan and South Korea say the launch violated Security Council resolutions banning the firing of ballistic missiles by Pyongyang, imposed after a nuclear test and other missile exercises in 2006.

Council diplomats said China, the nearest North Korea has to a major ally, and Russia were not convinced the launch of what North Korea said was a satellite was a violation of U.N. rules. Three other countries supported this view.