The European Union's foreign policy chief called the unprecedented number of intercontinental and short-range ballistic missiles fired by North Korea a cause of escalation of tensions.

Iran PressEurope: The EU considers the "unprecedented" number of missile launches, including an intercontinental ballistic missile and short-range ballistic missiles, to be a "dangerous escalation" by Pyongyang, according to a statement from its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell."

The European Union calls on the UN Member States, in particular the members of the UN Security Council, to ensure the full implementation of sanctions to prevent the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from obtaining equipment, knowledge and funding to support its illegal armament programs," he added.

According to the EU statement, "the unprecedented number of ballistic missiles launched by North Korea in 2022 is an alarming illustration of its intentions to continue undermining the global non-proliferation regime".

"This represents a serious threat to all nations and undermines regional and international peace and security," the message reads.The EU stressed that North Korea's actions "cannot and will never confer upon it the status of a nuclear-weapon state" under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, "or any other special status for that matter."

The European Union reiterated its call to North Korea to "cease its aggressive and destabilizing actions, respect international law and resume dialogue with all parties involved." The EU also stressed its "full solidarity" with Japan and South Korea. 219