We Stand United Against a DPRK Missile Launch

[성김 대사]

Regarding North Korea’s announcement that it intends to conduct a missile launch in December, the United States is closely coordinating with our allies and partners on this matter. 

As part of those consultations, yesterday I met with Presidential Secretary for Foreign Affairs and National Security Chun Young-woo, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ahn Ho-young, and Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Lim Sung-nam.  

Our message is clear and united.  We believe a North Korean "satellite" launch would be a highly provocative act that threatens peace and security in the region.  Any North Korean launch using ballistic missile technology is in direct violation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874.

The UN Security Council Presidential Statement adopted unanimously on April 16, 2012 strongly condemned North Korea's April 13 launch and expressed its determination to take action accordingly in the event of a future launch.  We call on North Korea to comply fully with its obligations under all relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

Moreover, devoting scarce resources to the development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles will only further isolate and impoverish North Korea.  The path to security for North Korea lies in investing in its people and abiding by its commitments and international obligations.

The United States is consulting closely with our Six-Party partners and other key allies on our next steps.

[ml2829]

thank you very much~