This photo provided by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea government shows what it says a test launch of a hypersonic missile in the DPRK on Jan 5, 2022. (KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY / KOREA NEWS SERVICE VIA AP)
UNITED NATIONS / PYONGYANG – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for diplomatic talks between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and all parties concerned toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, said his spokesman on Monday.
The official Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday that the country test-fired two tactical guided missiles on Monday to verify the accuracy of the weapon system under production.
"The two tactical guided missiles launched in the western area of DPRK precisely hit an island target in the East Sea of Korea," the report said.
The test-fire was conducted under a plan of the Academy of Defence Science, the Second Economy Commission and other institutions concerned, it said, adding that the Academy of Defence Science confirmed the accuracy, security and efficiency of the operation of the weapon system concerned, the KCNA added.
READ MORE: DPRK fires two short-range projectiles into East Sea, says ROK
It is the fourth launch in less than two weeks. Ealier this month, the DPRK conducted three missile tests, including a hypersonic missile on Jan 5 and Jan 11 respectively, and two railway-borne short-range ballistic missiles on Jan 14.
Asked whether Guterres should reach out to Pyongyang, the spokesman suggested using the existing mechanisms
"There haven't been that many periods, I think, in recent time where we have seen so many launches from the DPRK," said Stephane Dujarric, Guterres' spokesman. "And for us, it is just another reminder of the need for the DPRK and all the parties engaged to involve themselves, engage themselves in diplomatic talks so we can get what the United Nations would like to see, which is a very verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and, in the more immediate term, a lowering of tensions."
Asked whether Guterres should reach out to Pyongyang, the spokesman suggested using the existing mechanisms.
"I think there are existing mechanisms and existing lines of communications. And I think, at this point, these should be used, and the secretary-general is very supportive of those diplomatic frameworks that already exist. But they need to be used," said Dujarric.
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