White House: North Korea launch 'highly provocative'

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says North Korea's launch of a long-range ballistic missile is a "highly provocative act that threatens regional security."

National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor is calling the launch "another example of North Korea's pattern of irresponsible behavior."

In a statement released late Tuesday, Vietor says the U.S. "remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations."

The United Nations, the U.S., South Korea and others see the launch as a cover for a test of technology for missiles that could be used to strike another nation with a nuclear warhead.

Vietor says the U.S. will work with other nations and the U.N Security Council "to pursue appropriate action" against North Korea.