United Nations, Apr 14 (IANS): The UN Security Council Friday deplored the satellite launch by North Korea, which it said violated the council's resolutions banning Pyongyang from using ballistic technology, a top official said.

After the 15-nation council met behind closed doors to discuss the satellite launch, Susan Rice, the US ambassador to UN, who holds the rotating council presidency for April, said: "Members of the Security Council deplored this launch, which is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874."

The Security Council was briefed by UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez Taranco on the satellite launch, Rice was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

North Korea said an earth observation satellite was launched Friday morning but it failed to enter orbit. The satellite was launched to mark the 100th birthday of late founder Kim Il-sung.

The 90-tonne Unha-3 rocket was launched at 7.39 a.m. from the Tongchang-ri launch site but broke into some 20 pieces and fell into the sea a few minutes after lift-off, according to the South Korean defence ministry.

"Members of the Security Council agreed to continue consultations on an appropriate response in accordance with its responsibilities, given the urgency of the matter," Rice said.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Friday urged North Korea not to undertake any further provocative actions that would heighten tension in the region, a statement issued by his spokesman said.

"Despite its failure, the launch of a so-called 'application satellite' by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on 13 April 2012 is deplorable, as it defies the firm and unanimous stance of the international community," the statement said.

"The launch is in direct violation of Security Council Resolution 1874 and threatens regional stability," it said.

South Korea and the US said it was a disguised long-range ballistic missile test that violated a UN Security Council resolution.