Security Council
Non-proliferation/Democratic People's Republic of Korea - Security Council, 9643rd meeting
The unannounced launch on 27 May by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of yet another reconnaissance satellite using new technology represents a violation of United Nations resolutions and a grave threat to peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, speakers warned the Security Council today. Briefing the 15-nation organ, Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific, noted that the country did not issue safety notifications to relevant international authorities, which represents a serious risk to international civil aviation and maritime traffic. While this recent launch failed, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has significantly increased its missile launch activities since 2022, including more than 100 launches using ballistic missile technology, in violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, he said. Calling for “practical measures to reduce tensions, reverse the dangerous dynamic and create space to explore diplomatic avenues”, he pointed to the expiry of the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Sanctions Committee [established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006)]. Thus, the Council needs to create conditions conducive to dialogue, he said, also calling on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’ authorities to facilitate the return of the United Nations country team and resident coordinator to its territory. When Council members and countries of concern took the floor, many of them condemned the launch as a violation of Council resolutions and highlighted the human rights tragedy in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. However, other speakers underscored its right to build its defences, in the light of the increasing militarization of the region.