Moscow 'concerned' over Pyongyang's statement on UN resolution

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday expressed concern over North Korea's statement on a recent sanctions resolution adopted by the UN Security Council.

"Obviously, there is serious concern. We are very closely following the development of the situation and hope that all regional and relevant countries will show restraint and balanced approaches in this complex situation," Xinhua quoted Peskov as saying.

Earlier in the day, North Korea issued statements, strongly condemning the new UN resolution and warning to take resolute measures against it.

North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test on January 6 and went ahead with a long-range rocket launch on February 7. The move has been condemned by the international community.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a new package of sanctions against North Korea, which includes a ban on all exports of coal, iron, iron ore, gold, titanium ore, vanadium ore and rare earth metals from Pyongyang.

It also prohibits the supply of all types of aviation fuel, including rocket fuel, to North Korea, and requires all countries to inspect cargo destined for and coming from Pyongyang.