U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has repeated her warnings of the “consequences” North Korea would face if it proceeds with a rocket launch.

Clinton, who is currently in Europe for an international meeting aimed at reinvigorating aid programs to war-torn Afghanistan, told reporters at The Hague Tuesday that the North’s preparation to fire a rocket is “an unfortunate and continuing example of provocation by the North.”

Clinton made clear that U.N. Security Council actions will be sought if the North launches a rocket.

On Japan's preparations for the North's planned rocket launch, Clinton said that Japan has every right to protect and defend its territory.