North Korea threatens 'strong steps'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asi...ic/7988939.stm
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http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/image...v_grab226i.jpgA North Korean diplomat warns "strong steps" would follow should the UN take action against the country after its launch of a satellite on Sunday.
The UN Security Council has been debating whether North Korea should be punished for the launch.
The US, Japan and key European powers say the launch was a ballistic test in clear violation of a UN resolution.
China and Russia have been more cautious, saying they are yet to be convinced Pyongyang broke the rules.
Pyongyang says the test of the three-stage Taepodong-2 rocket was a success, putting a satellite into orbit which is now transmitting data and revolutionary songs.
North Korea's deputy UN ambassador Pak Tok-hun warned the council against trying to punish Pyongyang, insisting his country had only launched a satellite - rather than a missile - at the weekend.
If the 15-member security council took "any kind of steps whatever, we will consider this infringes upon the sovereignty of our country," he said, threatening "necessary and strong steps".
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He did not elaborate on what further steps North Korea might take.
"Every country has the inalienable right to use outer space peacefully," he added.