JAKARTA - The United Nations Security Council (DK PBB) on Friday remains divided on how to handle North Korea's continued ballistic missile launch.
The members of veto rights holders at the council failed to bridge the differences.
The United States confirmed in a session that 13 of the 15 UN DK members had agreed to take punitive action against North Korea, which continues ballistic missile launch tests that contradict previous Security Council resolutions.
However, Pyongyang has enjoyed a "shield of protection" from two other UN DK members, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.
He referred to China -- the main conspiracy of North Korea -- and Russia.
"This moment demands unity from the Security Council," said Thomas-Greenfield, quoted from Antara, Sunday.
China and Russia argue that joint military exercises by the US and South Korea have raised tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
"DPRK missile launch activities recently did not happen on their own without cause, and the launch was directly related to the words and actions of the parties concerned," said Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun.
The DPRK or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is North Korea's official name.
Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Kimihiro Ishikane urged UN DK to act as a unit.
He said North Korea's breach of previous resolutions was "in line with the absence of any action from the Security Council for a long time due to the negative attitude of some board members".
Since North Korea's first nuclear test in 2006, UN DK has adopted a number of resolutions that prohibit the country from launching ballistic missiles.
Pyongyang has tested a variety of missiles more often than before, and missile launches on Thursday (3/11) marked its 30th North Korean missile test this year.
In October, UN DK failed to take coordinated measures, such as adopting a joint statement in response to North Korea firing ballistic missiles into the Pacific Ocean flying over Japan.
In May, China and Russia vetoed a UN DK resolution, designed by the US to strengthen economic sanctions against North Korea.
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