04/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton concerned by launch of satellite. “Deeply concerned” at the North Korean regime's announcement on 1 December to launch a satellite between 10-22 December, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has called on North Korea “to refrain from attempting a satellite launch” and to fully comply with its obligations, her spokesperson said on 3 December. He said that developments will be followed closely and key partners in the region consulted. “Such a launch would be a breach of North Korea's obligations under UNSC 1718 and 1874”, the spokesperson's press release states, adding that such a launch would furthermore “be a provocative act, threatening peace and security in the region, and lead to further isolation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, thus undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue”. (CG/transl.fl)