SECRETARY-GENERAL 'EXTREMELY CONCERNED' BY REPORTS OF URANIUM ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME IN DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

SECRETARY-GENERAL 'EXTREMELY CONCERNED' BY REPORTS OF URANIUM ENRICHMENT

PROGRAMME IN DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned by the reported existence in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) of a programme to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons, as announced by the United States State Department, following the recent DPRK-United States discussions in Pyongyang.  If confirmed, the alleged programme would not be in conformity with the DPRK’s international obligations, including under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).  It would also be contrary to international efforts to reduce and eliminate weapons of mass destruction.

The Secretary-General welcomes the consultations that have already begun among interested countries -- issues related to weapons of mass destruction must be accorded highest priority.

* *** *