Canada

Photo: Contributed - CTV/AP

In this Sunday, April 8, 2012 file photo, a North Korean soldier stands in front of the country's Unha-3 rocket, slated for liftoff between April 12-16, at Sohae Satellite Station in Tongchang-ri, North Korea. (AP/ David Guttenfelder, File)

Canada is strongly condemning North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket, calling it reckless and provocative.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says the North's actions "clearly demonstrate its willful defiance of its international obligations"

In a statement issued late Tuesday, Baird added that the regime in Pyongyang is a grave threat to the security and stability of the region and beyond.

Baird says with this latest launch, the regime has once again shown total disregard for its people by choosing to fund military and nuclear programs while the basic needs of the population go unmet.

He also urged North Korea to live up to its international obligations.

About two hours after the launch, North Korea's state media proclaimed it a success, prompting celebrations across the capital.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) later confirmed that North Korea did appear to have put an object into space.

The United Nations, as well as the U.S. and its allies see the launch as cover for a test of technology for missiles.