ROME, Sept 4 (Reuters) - The Group of Seven (G7) rich countries condemned North Korea's latest missile test on Monday, and pledged to take further action to ensure the Asian state completely abandons its nuclear programme.
The condemnation came in a statement issued by Italy, which holds the rotating G7 presidency, and signed by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Britain, the United States, the European Commission and European Council.
"North Korea must immediately and fully comply with all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) and abandon all nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner," the statement said.
"We stand ready to further strengthen measures aimed at achieving these objectives and strongly call on the U.N. Security Council to meet its responsibilities and to work towards the adoption of a new and effective resolution that includes stronger measures."