Ban deplores DPR Korea's underground nuclear test

25 May 2009 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly deplored the conduct of an underground nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday, in “clear and grave” violation of resolutions of the Security Council which also spoke out against the act.

“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,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

The members of the Security Council, which met in an emergency session convened at the request of Japan, “voiced their strong opposition to and condemnation of the nuclear test,” Ambassador Vitaly I. Churkin of Russia, which holds the rotating presidency of the 15-member body for the month of May, told reporters after the closed-door meeting.

Mr. Churkin added that Council members have decided to start work immediately on a resolution on this matter in accordance with the body's responsibilities under the UN Charter.

Following DPRK's claims to have conducted a nuclear test in October 2006, the Council had demanded that it “not conduct any further nuclear test or launch of a ballistic missile” and imposed sanctions against the country.

Most recently, both Mr. Ban and the Council spoke out after the East Asian nation, against strong international appeals, carried out rocket launches.

They also called for the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks, involving DPRK, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Russia and the United States.

In today's statement, Mr. Ban urged DPRK to refrain from taking further actions that would increase tensions in the region, and insisted that the country comply with its obligations and restart dialogue with the parties concerned without delay.



New York, 25 May 2009 - Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Democratic People''s Republic of Korea

The Secretary-General strongly deplores the conduct of an underground nuclear test by the Democratic People''s Republic of Korea (DPRK), 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 DPRK to refrain from taking further actions that would increase tensions in the region. He also insists that the DPRK 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 de-nuclearization 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.