Secretary-General Condemns Nuclear Weapon Test, Urging Democratic People’s

 

Republic of Korea to ‘Reverse Course’, Work for De-nuclearization

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

The Secretary-General condemns the underground nuclear weapon test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea today.  It is a clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

It is deplorable that Pyongyang defied the strong and unequivocal call from the international community to refrain from any further provocative measures.  The Secretary-General had repeatedly called on the new leadership in Pyongyang to address international concerns and start building confidence with neighbouring countries and the international community.

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the negative impact of this deeply destabilizing act on regional stability, as well as the global efforts for nuclear non-proliferation.  He once again urges the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to reverse course and work towards de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

The Secretary-General is confident that the Security Council will remain united and take appropriate action.  In the meantime, the Secretary-General remains in close contact with all concerned parties and stands ready to assist their efforts.

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For information media • not an official record