Return to path of denuclearization: UN to N. Korea

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged North Korea to return to the path of denuclearization, saying that its latest ballistic missile launch is a threat to regional peace and security.

"The Secretary-General condemns the launch of another ballistic missile by the DPRK," Guterres's spokesman said in a statement.

He added that the launch violates the Security Council resolution, and said that Guterres has called calls on North Korea to "ensure full compliance with its international obligations."

The United Nations Security Council ( UNSC) is expected to hold a closed-door meeting on Tuesday to discuss North Korea's latest missile test.

Citing a well-informed source, the TASS news agency reported that the meeting was requested by the United States and Japan.

North Korea fired the missile from the northwestern city of Kusong despite growing threats of increased sanctions from members of the international community.

The missile, which flew 430 miles and reached an altitude of more than 1,245 miles, went further and higher than the nation's last successful test launch.

Following the launch, a statement from the White House called North Korea a "flagrant menace" and urged "far stronger sanctions" against the reclusive nation.

"With the missile impacting so close to Russian soil - in fact, closer to Russia than to Japan - the president cannot imagine that Russia is pleased," the statement added.