PRESS RELEASE : The UK condemns the DPRK’s launch of yet another inter-continental ballistic missile – UK statement at the Security Council [July 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 July 2023.
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.
Colleagues,
I thank Assistant Secretary General Mohammed Khiairi for his briefing. I welcome the participation of the DPRK at this Council for the first time since 2017. The United Kingdom condemns the DPRK’s launch of yet another inter-continental ballistic missile.
This was the twelfth ICBM launch since the start of 2022. It was the second test of a solid fuel ICBM, and the fourth ICBM test this year. It came in the wake of a failed military reconnaissance satellite launch on 31 May.
The DPRK’s actions violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and demonstrate flagrant disregard for the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. We must be firm and united in our response to these violations. Inaction by this Council cannot continue.
It is clear from listening to statements today the council members share deep concern about the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
With this in mind, I call on the DPRK to, first, abandon its illegal nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes, which are impoverishing its people and destabilising the region. Second, to return to compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Third, to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. And finally, to take up repeated and unconditional offers of dialogue.
Allowing diplomats and NGOs back into the country is an important part of this process. Diplomacy is the only route to making progress towards a sustainable peace on the Peninsula.
