Taipei, April 13 (CNA)
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday that North Korea's rocket launch was regrettable and called for peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

Taiwan is urging North Korea to keep the promise it made in February to temporarily stop nuclear tests and missile programs, the ministry said in a press statement.

North Korea should also abide by a resolution adopted by the United Nations and the country should "refrain from activities that could escalate regional tension," the foreign ministry said.

The U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 1874 in 2009 after North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test.

The foreign ministry said it would pay close attention to developments on the Korean peninsula and would cooperate with the international society to protect regional peace and safety.

North Korea launched an "Unha-3" (Galaxy-3) long-range rocket Friday morning, defying international opposition.

According to foreign wire service reports, it was North Korea's third failed attempt to launch a long-range rocket into orbit.

An AP report cited the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command as saying that the first rocket stage fell to the Yellow Sea and that the remaining stages failed.

(By Nancy Liu)
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