DPRK test-fires 6 missiles: report

    UNITED NATIONS, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vitali Churkin, called on Wednesday for a resumption of the six-party talks on the Korean peninsula nuclear Issue.

    Churkin made the remarks after an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council discussed the reported missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

    He stressed that while "a strong and clear message is needed, the goal should be a resumption of the six-party talks, suspended since September, and a diplomatic solution."

    "I frankly do not expect anybody would be proposing any sanctions," Churkin observed, obviously referring to a draft resolution being proposed by Japan.

    The draft text, according to a diplomat who spoke on the condition of anonymity, demands the international community prevent the transfer of financial resources, items, materials, goods and technology to end users that could contribute to missile and other weapons of mass destruction programs.

    It also calls on the DPRK to immediately cease "the development, testing, deployment and proliferation of ballistic missiles."

    "In my mind, we could consider the format of a presidential statement," the Russian ambassador said. "I would caution you against whipping up emotions too much."

    Meanwhile, French Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sabliere, who holds the Council presidency for the month of July, told reporters following the consultations that all members have expressed deep concern after the test-launching of missiles by the DPRK.

    He admitted some member states believed a presidential statement instead of a resolution would be more appropriate at this stage.

    "It's too early to say at this moment what the outcome will be except to say that there is an agreement in the council to act swiftly and firmly," the French ambassador said. Enditem

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    Members of the six-party talks except the DPRK all reacted swiftly to the tests.

    The South Korean government issued a statement expressing "deep regret" over the launching of the missiles, including the long-range Taepodong-2 missile and the Rodong missiles.  Full story>>

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    BEIJING, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said here Wednesday that China is "seriously concerned" over the tensions caused by the missile test-firing by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

    "We are seriously concerned with what had happened," Liu said in a press release.

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