Iran Press/ America: The United States asked the UN Security Council to meet over North Korea issue on Wednesday after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile over Japan, but diplomats said China and Russia are opposed to a public discussion by the 15-member body.
News sources reported on Tuesday morning that North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan).
Nuclear-armed North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile farther than ever before on Tuesday, sending it soaring over Japan for the first time in five years and prompting a warning for residents there to take cover.
Britain, France, Albania, Norway and Ireland joined the United States in making the request. North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
However, China and Russia told council counterparts they are opposed to a public meeting, arguing that the reaction of the council should be conducive to easing the situation on the Korean Peninsula, diplomats said.
The United States and members of the United Nations Security Council have imposed several rounds of sanctions against North Korea since its first nuclear test in 2006.
North Korea says it will not withdraw its nuclear and missile programs until the United States ends its hostile policy to overthrow the ruling government in Pyongyang. 219
