Ministry Statements & Speeches:
New Zealand welcomes the unanimous adoption of today’s resolution imposing strengthened and expanded sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Our long-standing commitment to the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons, is well known.
The DPRK’s continued pursuit of its nuclear weapons programme, as demonstrated by its most recent nuclear test and ballistic missile launch, represents one of the most serious threats to the international non-proliferation regime.
DPRK’s actions stand in defiance of international law, and this Council’s resolutions.
When this Council met on 6th of January following the latest nuclear test, we committed to beginning work immediately to agree further significant measures in response. Today’s resolution represents the fulfilment of that commitment.
New Zealand co-sponsored today’s resolution in recognition of the continued threat the DPRK’s actions pose to international peace and security, and to the security of our Asia-Pacific region.We do so with a heavy heart, wishing that the DPRK would choose a path of providing for the well-being and basic needs of its citizens, rather than preoccupying itself with the development of a nuclear weapons programme.
The measures contained in this resolution will send a clear message to the DPRK. Specifically, that it will not benefit from its provocative and combative behaviour, and that the best path available to it is a return, in good faith, to negotiations on the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
We commend the United States and China for the leadership they have shown in preparing the measures contained in today’s resolution. It is now incumbent on all Member states to ensure that they are implemented fully and effectively.
Thank you Mr President.