The UN Security Council has condemned recent ballistic missile launches by North Korea, noting that these acts violate the resolution made by the 15-nation body.

North Korea test-fired two medium-range Musudan ballistic missiles from Wonsan, a port city on the country's eastern coast on 21 June, despite repeated calls to end all activities related to its ballistic missile programme.

The repeated provocative actions by North Korea violate the UN Security Council resolution, which prohibits North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology.

"North Korea is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles."

According to a statement posted on the Council's website, these activities contribute to the development of the country's nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension.

The Council has called its member states to intensify their efforts to fully implement the sanctions imposed on North Korea, especially the measures set out in its most recent resolution.

It agreed to continue monitoring the situation closely and take further significant measures, in a bid to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia.

North Korea is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles, while the nation's citizens have great unmet needs, the Council said in a statement.

Nato is also calling North Korea to fully comply with its obligations under international law, not to threaten with or conduct any launches using ballistic missile technology.

Image: UN Security Council has 15 member states. Photo: courtesy of UN Photo/JC McIlwaine.