Calling the launch "a clear violation³ of Security Council resolutions", the council said it would consider an "appropriate response".

 

The statement came after closed consultations⁴（磋商，咨询） in New York. 

 

The US and its allies view the launch as a disguised test of ballistic missile technology. North Korea says its aim was to launch a satellite. 

 

North Korea was banned by the UN from ballistic（弹道的） missile tests after nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009. 

 

The US says Pyongyang will face "consequences" for the launch, calling it a "highly provocative⁵ act that threatens regional security".

 

White House spokesman Jay Carney would not specify⁶ what "consequences" Washington was considering, saying it would first assess what action was taken by the Security Council.

 

Western diplomats⁷ would like the UN statement of condemnation⁸ to be followed by a resolution in the coming days, says the BBC's Barbara Plett at the UN.

 

Whether a UN resolution would strengthen existing sanctions depends on China, a permanent member of the Security Council and North Korea's closest ally, our correspondent adds. 

 

So far Beijing has expressed "regret" at North Korea's action, but also urged restraint on any counter-measures. In the past it has blocked action against North Korea.

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