First, let me thank ASG Khaled Khiari or his briefing.
Norway condemns in the strongest terms the launch of a record number of missiles in the past few days.
Among the numerous missiles, one ballistic missile landed in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Korea, closer to South Korean soil than ever before. Another – assessed to be an ICBM system – was launched in the direction of Japan.
Since the beginning of this year, the DPRK has performed an unprecedented number of ballistic missile tests, increasing in frequency and intensity. We are deeply disturbed by the DPRK’s continued development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
The recent launches raise tensions, threaten peace and stability in the region and beyond, and make diplomatic efforts more difficult. These launches also endanger civil aviation and maritime traffic in the region. This pattern of behaviour is not acceptable. It cannot continue.
It is also regrettable that lately this Council has been silent - even as the DPRK continues its destabilising activities, and intensified its violations of this Council’s resolutions. We reiterate our call for the Council to show unity in responding to the DPRK’s escalatory behaviour.
Norway believes that diplomacy is the right, and only, way forward for sustained peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. And for this to happen, the DPRK must choose the path of dialogue.
President,
Members of this Council have continued to show that they take the humanitarian situation in the DPRK seriously.
Sanctions are an essential part of our efforts to slow the development of – and to counter – North Korea’s prohibited weapons programmes.
The sanctions measures are not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences on the civilian population; they are an essential part of our efforts to slow the development of – and to counter – North Korea’s prohibited weapons programmes. Indeed, requests for humanitarian exemptions are swiftly processed in the 1718 Committee. And the provisions contained in the draft resolution, discussed on 26 May, would have broadened the humanitarian exemption mechanism considerably.
Norway remains worried about the humanitarian situation in the DPRK. We call on the government of the DPRK to cooperate with the international community and enable humanitarian support to reach the North Korean people- including access for the Resident Coordinator and UN and other international agencies.
And we call on all Member States to fully implement existing Security Council resolutions on the DPRK.