The United Nations Security Council resolution condemning North Korea's July 5 multiple missile test-firings may lack strong teeth, but it serves as a stern warning from the international community to the reclusive country. While the contents of the resolution fell short of what Japan originally wanted -- an agreement to punish North Korea with sanctions -- the fact that all 15 UNSC member countries adopted it is significant. China and Russia at first had opposed any resolution against North Korea.
Last week's resolution affirms the international community's concern that North Korea's missile tests, following its claim to have developed nuclear weapons, "jeopardize peace, stability and security in the region and beyond."
North Korea should heed the resolution plus a similarly worded statement from the Group of Eight summit in St. Petersburg and return to the six-nation talks on the North's nuclear weapons program.