CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT DISCUSSES LATEST MISSILE LAUNCH BY THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA

The Conference on Disarmament this morning held a plenary meeting in which numerous delegations strongly condemned the previous day’s launch of four ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Conference also heard from a number of delegations, who acknowledged the receipt of the draft proposed programme of work, presented by the Russian Federation, which would be further analysed and discussed in the coming days.

Alexey Borodavkin, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and President of the Conference, stated that, if a consensus on the draft proposed programme of work could be achieved, it would be submitted for adoption the following week. Delegations were encouraged to request instructions from their capitals as soon as possible. The United States, France, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and Egypt welcomed the draft proposal, which would be shared with their respective capitals for instructions.

The Republic of Korea noted that naming and shaming alone did not have an effect on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which was why all countries were urged to implement the sanctions against the country. Ireland said that the achievement and maintenance of a world without nuclear weapons had been a driving force of its foreign policy, and a prohibition of nuclear weapons was a logical, moral and legal imperative. China presented a document “International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace”, which was the first international strategy issued by China in the field of cyberspace. Australia opined that there was a pressing need to improve the welfare of “North Korea’s” impoverished people, rather than divert resources to develop nuclear weapons and missiles. Canada called upon the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to cease provocative actions.

Malta, speaking on behalf of the European Union, stressed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea needed to immediately re-engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community. Belgium firmly condemned the launching of the four ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which threatened international peace and security. The United States explained that THAAD was a purely defensive system meant to protect layered missile defence of the Republic of Korea against a potential missile threat by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Japan said that three of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s missiles had landed in the Exclusive Economic Zone, which was unacceptable and a grave threat to Japan’s security.
Mexico noted that the launch of the missiles constituted a flagrant violation of the international law. Chile expressed grave concern at the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s actions destabilizing the Asian region and defying the international community.

The Netherlands stated that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea should re-engage in a meaningful dialogue with the international community. Sweden noted that the launch of the four ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 6 March was in violation of several Security Council resolutions. Turkey condemned the latest missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which had to fully comply with its international obligations. Italy expressed its readiness to contribute to a firm and cohesive response of the international community. Bulgaria stated that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s repeated provocations posed a direct threat to international peace and security. Peru expressed its resounding condemnation over the launch of missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which represented a serious threat to the region of peace and security in Asia. Ukraine urged the international community to take additional measures to bring the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to justice.

Malaysia informed that it was in close contact with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons regarding the recent incident at the Kuala Lumpur Airport, and would do its best to bring perpetrators to justice. Switzerland opined that a solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula could be found only through diplomatic negotiations. New Zealand added its voice to those condemning the launch of missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Russian Federation condemned the violation of the Security Council resolutions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and was very closely following the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea categorically rejected all the politically motivated statements made by other delegations. The military exercises conducted by the Republic of Korea and the United States endangered the security of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Spain referred to the inscriptions in the Council Chamber, stating that a peaceful resolution of international disputes ought to be given a priority.

The Conference will next meet in public on Tuesday, 14 March at 10 a.m.

Statements

ALEXEY BORODAVKIN, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and President of the Conference, said that 20 distinguished guests had taken part in the high-level segment of the Conference the previous week, which he described as very successful. In addition to the informal consultations on a programme of work, the President had held a number of bilateral consultations, which would be continued. A particularly constructive meeting had been held with the Group of 21. A draft text of the programme of work had been prepared for discussion, which put on the first place the Working Group on Nuclear Disarmament, followed by the Working Group on biological and chemical terrorism. The Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom was ready to assume the leadership of the Working Group on Nuclear Disarmament, while the latter could be chaired by a representative of the Group of 21. Unofficial consultations on the draft Programme of Work would be held on 10 March, informed the President. If a consensus on the draft could be achieved, it would be submitted for adoption the following week. If the Conference succeeded in adopting the programme of work, conditions would be laid for substantive activities of the Conference on an inclusive basis. Delegations were encouraged to request instructions from their capitals as soon as possible.

The United States stated that it was not expecting that the text would be put forward for action the following week already. It was still not in a position to say whether it could support it or not.

ALEXEY BORODAVKIN, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and President of the Conference, reiterated his hope that the capitals would study the draft seriously and expeditiously and instruct their delegations accordingly.

Pakistan appreciated the good start made by the working group on the way ahead, and welcomed the broad outreach to regional groups and bilateral consultations. The draft proposal of the programme of work had been received the previous day, and it was quite similar to the draft proposal circulated by Russia in 2016. Pakistan’s initial reaction was very positive, but a formal response from Islamabad was still being awaited.

France was ready to openly and flexibly approach any draft programme of work. France had not yet a chance to receive instructions from the capital. France reiterated its position that any discussion on biological and chemical terrorism should be done with the concern of preserving the two existing instruments in those fields.

ALEXEY BORODAVKIN, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and President of the Conference, reiterated that today the goal was not to get concrete reactions to the proposed draft.

United Kingdom said it would examine the draft carefully and send it to London. It welcomed that the essence of the British 2016 proposal was preserved. Possible concern for London would be that the mandate for the second proposed Working Group was less clear, and more framing might be needed in that regard.

ALEXEY BORODAVKIN, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and President of the Conference, said that the draft could be discussed in group and bilateral meetings, as well as through informal consultations of the Conference. Russia was open to hearing proposals to its draft, as long as those proposals did not make a start of negotiations less likely.

Egypt asked whether the proposed draft programme of work included a negotiating mandate.

ALEXEY BORODAVKIN, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and President of the Conference, responded that the wording used in the draft should be seen as a pre-negotiating mandate, and hoped that negotiating work could ensue.

The Republic of Korea stated that the use of chemical or biological weapons by anyone and anywhere should be of concern. The previous day’s ballistic missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea constituted another flagrant violation of the international norms and resolutions. It was another clear demonstration of a trigger-happy and brutal nature of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, whose provocation was condemned in the strongest tones. The country’s reckless pursuit of prohibited weapons was further visible from the recent murder at the Kuala Lumpur Airport. Naming and shaming alone did not have an effect on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which was why all countries were urged to implement the sanctions against the country.

Ireland deeply regretted the repeated failures to achieve a consensus over a programme of work over the previous two decades. Flexibility and genuine political will were indispensable for changing that lamentable and unsustainable state of affairs. Ireland welcomed the establishment of the working group on the way ahead as a positive step in the right direction. The achievement and maintenance of a world without nuclear weapons had been a driving force of Ireland’s foreign policy; nuclear disarmament was a common goal, a common interest and a common duty, and a prohibition of nuclear weapons was a logical, moral and legal imperative. The best way to protect the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty would be by implementing it. Ireland would also like to see progress on the long-stalled process leading to a fissile material treaty. Ireland believed that due consideration ought to be given in disarmament and non-proliferation fora to both the gendered impact of weapons as well as to women’s empowerment and agency. Empowering women in the disarmament field would bring the world closer to its goals, stressed Ireland. Finally, Ireland strongly condemned the recent launch of four ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and asked the country to re-engage in a credible dialogue with the international community.

China presented a document jointly issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyberspace Administration of China entitled “International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace”. It was the first international strategy issued by China in the field of cyberspace, and served as a guiding policy paper on China’s current and future participation in the global cyberspace governance. China aimed at achieving the following objectives: to enrich and give greater substance to the concept of community of shared future in cyber space; to provide a comprehensive explanation of China’s policy and position on cyber space; to indicate China’s strong readiness in support of international exchanges and cooperation on cyberspace; and to propose a “Chinese solution” to the difficult questions pertaining to the global cyberspace governance. World peace and development depended heavily on the security and stability in cyberspace. The Strategy gave centre stage to the concept of win-win cooperation, and stressed that all countries should carry out international cooperation on the basis of mutual respect of state sovereignty. China was ready to promote the development and innovation of the global digital economy and achieve the sustainable development of cyberspace. Finally, the Strategy proposed to establish a multilateral, democratic and transparent global governing system on the Internet through a multilateral approach.

China had consistently stood for the demilitarization of the Korean Peninsula, and supported dialogue instead of confrontation. Security Council resolutions contained clear language on missile launches, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s missile launches were in contradiction to those texts. Military exercises on the Korean Peninsula, and a deployment of the THAAD missile defence system, could only further contribute to the escalation of tensions on the Peninsula, and China would take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests. All parties should work together on the denuclearization of the Peninsula.

Australia condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s latest launch on 6 March. There was a pressing need to improve the welfare of “North Korea’s” impoverished people, rather than divert resources to develop nuclear weapons and missiles. Australia would work with the international community in response to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s actions.

Canada condemned in the strongest terms the launch of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, three of which had fallen in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Japan. A firm international response was needed. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was called upon to cease such provocative actions.

Malta, speaking on behalf of the European Union, strongly condemned the launch of four ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea the previous day. The country had to halt all launches using ballistic missile technology and abandon its ballistic missile. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea needed to immediately re-engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community, in particular within the Six-Party Talks.

Belgium took note of the draft decision circulated by the President the previous day; Belgium would carefully study the proposal. In view of the severity of the developments on the Korean Peninsula, Belgium firmly condemned the launching of the four ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which threatened international peace and security. It was a serious violation of several Security Council resolutions, and Belgium emphasized the need for a rapid entry into force of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty. The international community had to be unanimous in its response, including through the implementation of sanctions.

The United States strongly condemned the missile launches carried out over the weekend. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had once again violated international law, which should not go unchallenged. As its programmes continued to grow, threats to the security of the region continued to increase. The United States’ commitment to the security of its allies was iron-clad. THAAD was a purely defensive system meant to protect layered missile defence of the Republic of Korea against a potential missile threat by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It would not affect the strategic missile defence of other countries. The United States-Republic of Korea military exercises were transparent and had been taking place for over 40 years; they were a clear demonstration of the United States’ commitment to the alliance.
Japan said that three of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s missiles had landed in the Exclusive Economic Zone, which was unacceptable and a grave threat to Japan’s security. Such launches were a clear violation of a series of the Security Council’s resolutions, and were strongly condemned. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea should immediately implement numerous Security Council resolutions.

Mexico echoed the condemnation of the missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The launch of the missiles constituted a flagrant violation of the international law, and Mexico reaffirmed that such actions interfered with international peace and security. “North Korea” had an obligation to comply with Security Council resolutions. Mexico would closely monitor steps taken by the Security Council in that regard.

Chile expressed grave concern at the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s actions which destabilized the Asian region and defied the international community. The country was called to regularize its situation vis-à-vis nuclear weapons and to implement all relevant Security Council resolutions. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was requested to re-engage in a dialogue.

The Netherlands strongly condemned the missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 6 March, which should be ceased immediately. The country had to re-engage in a meaningful dialogue with the international community. The international community should take a united and resolute action against such violations.

Sweden noted that the launch of the four ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 6 March was in violation of several Security Council resolutions and constituted a threat to international peace and security. The best way forward was through a dialogue and negotiations.

Turkey condemned the latest missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which had to fully comply with its international obligations under Security Council resolutions. Its behaviour was not conducive to the peace and security in the region, stressed Turkey.

Italy reiterated its strong condemnation of the launch of four ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 6 March. They represented a threat to international peace and security, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had once again openly violated existing Security Council resolutions. Italy was ready to contribute to a firm and cohesive response of the international community.

Bulgaria stated that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s repeated provocations posed a direct threat to international peace and security. The country should immediately suspend its missile programmes and re-engage with the international community in a meaningful manner.

Peru expressed its resounding condemnation over the launch of missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which represented a serious threat to the region of peace and security in Asia. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was urged to adhere to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Ukraine said that the repeated missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were a deliberate provocation against the established international system. The international community was urged to take additional measures to bring the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to justice. The current sanctions appeared to be insufficient.

Malaysia joined the condemnation of the launch of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which had fuelled regional tensions and showed the disregard by Pyongyang for international norms. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was urged to end all ballistic missiles and comply with relevant Security Council resolutions. Malaysia strongly condemned the use of chemical weapons anywhere, and stressed that it complied with the regime of the Convention on Chemical Weapons. Malaysia was in close contact with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons regarding the recent incident at the Kuala Lumpur Airport, and would do its best to bring perpetrators to justice.

Switzerland strongly condemned the firing of ballistic missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which violated a number of Security Council resolutions, and represented a threat to peace and security in the region. A solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula could be found only through diplomatic negotiations; the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was called upon to give up its ballistic missile programme.

New Zealand added its voice to those condemning the launch of the missiles by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which was highly provocative and deeply detrimental to international peace and security. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was urged to cease such tests and abide by its international obligations.

Russian Federation condemned the violation of the Security Council resolutions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and said that it was very closely following the situation on the Korean Peninsula, which had become much more tense. All concerned parties were called upon to show restraint. Russia continued to see a way out of the situation through political and diplomatic negotiations.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea categorically rejected all the politically motivated statements made by other delegations. The military exercises conducted by Republic of Korea and the United States endangered the security of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The real threat which undermined the peace and security in the region, which came from the United States, was ignored by many. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had long been demanding that the United States put an end to its war drills on the Korean Peninsula. The ongoing joint military exercise was unprecedented in size and included nuclear carriers and strategic bombers. In no way could the United States justify its actions as defence-oriented; other countries should raise their voice over such developments. The Security Council should question the United States’ military exercises, stressed the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, but the Council had never said a word in that regard, which was an extreme manifestation of double standards. There was no clause in the United Nations Charter which deemed nuclear and ballistic missile tests illegal. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was committed to developing a nuclear deterrent. Japan should not take advantage of the aggravation of the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The Republic of Korea stressed that THAAD was purely defensive and it did not pose any challenges to the current situation in a wider contest. The military exercises were defensive and transparent; several members of the Conference were taking part in the exercises. “North Korea” conducted throughout the year military exercises with the full mobilization, including its civilian population. The reign of terror in Pyongyang led to a collective delusion in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Security was advanced not by threats, but by winning friends. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was once again urged to change their wrong calculations and make friends in the international community.

The United States said that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continued to insist that Security Council resolutions were illegal. On the contrary, they represented the international law. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was a pariah in violation of numerous Security Council resolutions, and it would not be allowed to continue to violate the international law. The country had to come in compliance with its international obligations, otherwise it would continue to be isolated.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stated that “South Korea” should focus on cleaning up the political mess caused by internal scandals. As long as the United States refused to abandon its hostile policies towards the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the nuclear deterrent would continue to be developed. The current military exercises were an open provocation and a threat against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s sovereignty. The United States manipulated the Security Council to produce groundless accusations; such double standards were intolerable.

Peru said that the effects of the bilateral matters between the two Koreas had global repercussions. All countries in the world were extremely worried about the situation on the Peninsula, and the Conference was the right venue to address such concerns.

Spain referred to the inscriptions in the Council Chamber, stating that the peaceful resolution of international disputes ought to be given a priority, and said that only barbarians used force to hear their voices heard.

ALEXEY BORODAVKIN, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation and President of the Conference, wished happy International Women’s Day to all women.




For use of the information media; not an official record

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