The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a presidential statement on the recent launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying it is "in contravention of Security Council resolution 1718" and urging the early resumption of the six-party talks.

In a non-binding statement, the 15-member council "condemns" the April 5 launch by the DPRK, reiterates that the DPRK "must comply fully with its obligations" under resolution 1718 and demands that the country "not conduct any further launch."

The UN Security Council on April 13, 2009 adopted a presidential statement on the recent launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. [Liu Xin/Xinhua]

The council called for the "early resumption" of the six-party talks and "a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the situation."

The council also agreed to "adjust the measures imposed" in resolution 1718, which included asset freeze and arms embargo.

The text was agreed upon Saturday by the five permanent members of the Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- and Japan after days of intense negotiations at the UN headquarters.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the statement, saying it "sends a unified message of the international community" on the launch.

Ban hopes the council's unified response "will pave the way for renewed efforts towards the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues in the region," said a statement issued by Ban's press office.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2009)