Media Statement
01 August 2017
South African Government deplores the launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
The South African Government deplores the latest launch of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which again violates the obligations of the DPRK under various UN Security Council resolutions, including 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013) and 2270 (2016).
South Africa shares the concerns of the international community regarding the nuclear weapon- and delivery system-related activities of the DPRK, which undermines regional and international peace and security. We reiterate our call on the DPRK to adhere to its Security Council-mandated obligations, to return to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to fulfil its safeguards obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In doing so, the DPRK will pave the way to restore international confidence in its peaceful nuclear and space-related activities.
South Africa supports a negotiated solution that addresses the issues of the Korean Peninsula in a holistic manner and urges the DPRK to fulfil its commitments under the Six-Party Talks with a view to achieving the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We strongly urge the DPRK and all States involved to refrain from any further action which may undermine the pursuit of such a negotiated solution or that could further increase tensions in the North East Asia region and beyond.
Enquiries: Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084
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