The European Union threatened fresh sanctions against North Korea Wednesday, condemning its long-range rocket launch as a violation of international law.

"The EU will consider an appropriate response, in close consultation with key partners... including possible additional restrictive measures," foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.

The launch was "another step in a long-running attempt by the DPRK (North Korea) to acquire ballistic missile technology and is thus a clear violation of the DPRK’s international obligations...," she added.

"I urge the DPRK to comply, without delay, fully and unconditionally with its obligations under relevant UN Security Council Resolutions..." Earlier Wednesday, North Korea fired a long-range rocket days before the first anniversary of its former ruler's death.

The launch, which has magnified the threat posed by the nuclear-armed state, provoked swift condemnation from the United States and other countries.
Russia and China both issued statements expressing regret at the launch.