SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPLORES NUCLEAR TEST BY DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA,

TRUSTS SECURITY COUNCIL WILL SEND STRONG, UNIFIED MESSAGE

 

The following statement was issued yesterday by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly deplores the conduct of an underground nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned that this act will negatively affect regional peace and stability as well as the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

The Secretary-General reiterates his conviction that differences should be resolved in a peaceful manner through dialogue.  He urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to refrain from taking further actions that would increase tensions in the region.  He also insists that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea comply with its obligations in full and restart dialogue with the parties concerned without delay, including the early resumption of the six-party talks.

The Secretary-General trusts that the Security Council will take up this matter to send out a strong and unified message, conducive to achieving the goal of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and peace and security in the region.  He will remain in close consultation with all concerned, ready to assist in any way possible.

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For information media • not an official record