U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice on Wednesday said the "provocative actions" of the rocket launch of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are a "clear violation of (UN) Security Council resolutions," and warned there will be "appropriate consequences."

Speaking to the press after closed consultations of the UN Security Council, Rice said, "The council must now work in a concerted fashion to send North Korea a clear message that its violations of UN Security Council resolutions have consequences."

The 15-member council reacted "swiftly and strongly" to the DPRK's rocket launch, said Rice, referring to a statement saying the council unanimously condemned Pyongyang's launch.

"This launch also shows that despite the Security Council's clear requirements, North Korea is determined to pursue its ballistic missile program without regard for its international obligations," said the ambassador.

The Security Council adopted resolutions 1718 and 1874 respectively to ban the DPRK's launch using the ballistic missile technology.

When asked what will come next from the Security Council, Rice described "a second phase" of council negotiations that will determine the "appropriate further action." Rice also announced the intention of the U.S. to work with its six-party talks partners and the international community on the issue.

The six-party talks, which involve South Korea, the DPRK, China, the United States, Japan and Russia, began in 2003 but stalled in December 2008.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Security Council also condemned the rocket launch announced by the DPRK, saying the move is "a clear violation" of relevant council resolutions, and the council will continue consultations on an appropriate response in accordance with its responsibilities given the urgency of the matter. Endi

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