S. Korean political parties condemn N. Korean rocket launch

SEOUL, April 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean political parties on Sunday condemned
North Korea's rocket launch, emphasizing that the move raised international
tensions.
The ruling Grand National Party (GNP) said the launch is a clear provocation and
in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1718 that prohibited the
communist country from engaging in ballistic missile development.
"The South Korean government will be compelled to take action against the North
through the United Nations," a party spokesperson said.
The main opposition Democratic also said it opposes all activities that can raise
tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
It said the launch which took place despite opposition from neighboring countries
is regrettable.
The liberal party that had called for dialogue with the North to diffuse
tensions, said that Seoul should exercise restraint in dealing with the latest
development.
The conservative opposition Liberty Forward Party, meanwhile, echoed the GNP
stance and stressed that the launch is a violation of the U.N. resolution. It
urged the government to take a firm stance against Pyongyang's misbehavior.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)