North Korea missile launch ended in failure, Seoul says

SEOUL, April 14 (UPI) -- North Korea attempted to launch a missile Friday, but the mission likely ended in failure, South Korea's joint chiefs of staff said.

Pyongyang was planning to fire the missile in commemoration of founder Kim Il Sung's 104th birthday anniversary, Yonhap reported.

The launch attempt took place on the eastern coast of North Korea, "early in the morning," Seoul stated.

"North Korea attempted to fire a missile, but the launch is believed to be a failure," the joint chiefs said in statement.

North Korea's numerous provocations have invited warnings from its allies, including China and Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged Pyongyang on Thursday to refrain from "irresponsible behavior," Radio Free Asia reported.

Lavrov, who was on a state visit to Mongolia, advised the North to act rationally and stay away from further provocations.

The Russian diplomat made the remarks while delivering a lecture at the Mongolian foreign ministry, Russia's TASS News Agency reported.

Lavrov said Pyongyang has been disregarding the United Nations Security Council resolutions while testing missiles and nuclear weapons.

The Russian official added North Korea's desire to become a nuclear weapons state is a mistake and the country needs to wake up to reality, according to Radio Free Asia.

Lavrov also said North Korea must give up nuclear weapons development if it wants to fully regain its membership in the international community.