Security Council

6752^nd Meeting (AM)

Security Council Condemns Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Satellite Launch

 

as Breach of Resolutions Barring Country’s Use of Ballistic Missile Technology

Council Broadens Sanctions’ Reach by Directing Committee to Update

‘List’, Pledging to Complete Task Itself if Action Not Taken within 15 Days

Strongly condemning the 13 April satellite launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, the Security Council this morning demanded that the country stop all ballistic missile activity and not conduct any nuclear tests, while also tightening the sanctions regime on the country.

“This satellite launch, as well as any launch that uses ballistic missile technology, even if characterized as a satellite launch or space launch vehicle, is a serious violation of Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009),” the Council said through a statement read out by Susan Rice of the United States, which holds the April presidency.

Also as part of that response, the Council directed the relevant Committee to designate additional groups and items subjected to the arms and technology embargoes and other restrictions imposed in 2006 and strengthened in 2009, adding that if the Committee did not act within 15 days, the Council itself “will complete action” to adjust those and related measures within five days.

Deploring that the launch had caused grave security concerns in the region, the Council also demanded that the country immediately abandon all nuclear weapons, related programmes and other provocations and fully comply with its obligations under the above-cited resolutions.

In a related provision, the Council expressed its determination to take action accordingly in the event of a further launch or nuclear test by that country.

The meeting began at 10:11 a.m. and ended at 10:15 a.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of the statement contained in document S/PRST/2012/13 reads as follows:

“The Security Council strongly condemns the 13 April 2012 (local time) launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

“The Security Council underscores that this satellite launch, as well as any launch that uses ballistic missile technology, even if characterized as a satellite launch or space launch vehicle, is a serious violation of Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009).

“The Security Council deplores that such a launch has caused grave security concerns in the region.

“The Security Council demands that the DPRK not proceed with any further launches using ballistic missile technology and comply with resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009) by suspending all activities related to its ballistic missile programme and in this context re-establish its pre-existing commitments to a moratorium on missile launches.

“The Security Council agrees to adjust the measures imposed by paragraph 8 of resolution 1718 (2006), as modified by resolution 1874 (2009).  The Security Council directs the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) to undertake the following tasks and to report to the Security Council within 15 days:

a)    Designate additional entities and items;

b)    Update the information contained on the Committee's list of individuals, entities, and items (S/2009/205 and INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part.1), and update on an annual basis thereafter;

c)    Update the Committee's annual work plan.

“The Security Council further agrees that, if the Committee has not acted pursuant to the paragraph above within 15 days, then the Security Council will complete action to adjust these measures within an additional five days.

“The Security Council demands that the DPRK immediately comply fully with its obligations under Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009), including that it:  abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner; immediately cease all related activities; and not conduct any further launches that use ballistic missile technology, nuclear tests or any further provocation.

“The Security Council calls upon all Member States to implement fully their obligations pursuant to resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009).

“The Security Council expresses its determination to take action accordingly in the event of a further DPRK launch or nuclear test.”

* *** *

For information media • not an official record