North Korea has totally rejected a UN Security Council statement condemning the country's latest launch of a ballistic missile and stressed that it will accelerate its nuclear and missile development. <br/><br/>The council issued a press statement yesterday following the launch of the Pukguksong-2 intermediate-range missile on the previous day.<br/><br/>North Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said today that the launch was a normal act to strengthen the country's national defense capabilities. <br/><br/>The spokesperson said North Korea totally rejects the statement by the council, which it said joins hostile actions by the United States. The person said criticism by the US and its followers of Pyongyang's efforts to strengthen its nuclear force will only result in increasing the North's hostility against them and lead to further advancement and diversification of nuclear force.<br/><br/>The spokesperson referred to another intermediate-range missile, the Hwasong-12, which the North launched on the 14th of this month. The person said the North showed that it is capable of launching nuclear attacks on Hawaii, where the US Pacific Command is based, and other operational zones in the Pacific, including Alaska.