The launch of a long-range rocket by North Korea on Wednesday risks fresh sanctions on the country by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

While North Korea said that it had successfully launched a three-stage Unha rocket carrying a satellite to the space, many countries alleged that it used the banned ballistic missile technology.

The U. S., Japan and South Korea saw the launch as a cover for North Korea's test of long-range missile technology.

Japan has requested the United Nations Security Council to call an emergency meeting to discuss the issue, while Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague condemn the launch of the rocket and warned that it would increase tensions in the region.

Condemning the launch, Hague added, "It is essential that [North Korea] refrain from further provocative action and take constructive steps towards denuclearisation and lasting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula."

The controversial development could prompt the United Nations Security Council to impose new sanctions on North Korea. Previously, the Security Council had imposed tough sanctions on North Korea after it conducted nuclear weapons tests in 2006 and 2009.

However, North Korea has always refuted allegations that it uses rocket launches to cover its ballistic missile technology tests. The U. S. is concerned that if North Korea manages to perfect its ballistic missile technology, then it would achieve a projectile capable of hitting the U. S. mainland.