Voice of America reports North Korea's permanent mission to the United Nations has defended the North's latest ballistic missile launch and opposed additional sanctions on Pyongyang.
 
According to the report, the North's deputy ambassador to the UN, Kim In-ryong, told reporters in New York on Friday that Sunday’s launch of a Pukguksong-2, a medium-range ballistic missile, was successful.
 
The envoy claimed the test launch was to confirm technical aspects of the missile's weapons system and examine how it adjusts to various conditions ahead of actual deployment.
 
Kim said test launches are part of a normal process for deployment and strengthening military power for defense. 
 
The North Korean official also argued that UN sanctions have no legal basis.

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