Int’l aviation body condemns N. Korea’s missile launches

October 7, 2017

NEW YORK- The International Civil Aviation Organization at a meeting of its council on Friday decided unanimously to express its strong condemnation of North Korea for its repeated ballistic missile launches, Japanese government sources said.

The move was led by Japan. The Montreal-based ICAO is for discussions on technical issues related to aircraft, so it is very rare for the organization to hold political debates, according to the sources.

It is the first time that the ICAO has agreed to denounce any particular country, the sources said.

The ICAO council, made up of 36 countries, noted that North Korea's missile launches have occurred over international air routes with no prior notice, causing significant concerns to the safety of international civil aviation in the region. It urged Pyongyang to comply with international standards on aviation safety.

Recently, North Korea without prior notice fired two ballistic missiles, which flew over Japan and fell into the Pacific.

When North Korea fired another missile, in July, which fell into the Sea of Japan, an Air France passenger jet reportedly flew near the point shortly before the missile landing.

After the incident, the airline announced plans to expand its flight restriction zone around North Korea.

Fearing that there is a possibility of North Korea's missile launches leading to grave consequences, Japan played a central role in the ICAO council's decision to denounce the reclusive country.

North Korea, which is not a member of the council, did not attend the Friday meeting although it was invited to the session. Jiji Press