UNSC meeting of the launch of an Intermediate range Ballistic Missile by the DPRK

AT AN OPEN MEETING OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE LAUNCH OF AN INTERMEDIATE RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILE BY THE DPRK

Mr. President,
I thank ASG Khaled Khiari for his briefing to the Council.
We continue to be concerned by the escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula and the wider Northeast Asia region. These renewed tensions have been occasioned by the repeated ballistic missile launches by the DPRK over the past week, particularly the launch of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile on 3rd October 2022, which flew over Japan.
 
The present missile launch, the first to follow such a trajectory since 2017 and the first DPRK weapon to reach such a distance, represents a clear escalation of DPRK’s actions against its neighbours and international peace. Particularly concerning is the fact that the launch was carried out in breach of several Security Council resolutions and without regard to aviation and maritime safety or any warning for that matter. Ghana is gravely concerned about this current launch and others before it and firmly deplores it.
 
Mr. President,
Since the beginning of this year, the DPRK has significantly increased the frequency, types and delivery systems of missiles it has launched. Reports that the DPRK has made preparations at its Punggyye-ri nuclear test site possibly for a 7th nuclear test, coupled with its claim to have advanced its development of “tactical nuclear weapons” as well as its threat to use nuclear weapons if its national interest is threatened are extremely worrying and goes contrary to its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This Council must therefore make a unified call on the DPRK to take concrete, immediate and urgent steps to bring itself into compliance with its international obligations.
 
At a time of such global fragility, the world can ill afford to have multiple crises. In this regard, we urge the DPRK to refrain from further missile test launches and to take the urgent and necessary steps to ease tensions in the region. We also reiterate our call on the DPRK to adhere to the relevant Security Council resolutions and the resume constructive and credible dialogue with the relevant parties and the DPRK in a manner that recognises the regional and global security concerns.
 
Mr. President,

We hope that this Council and other relevant parties would be able to act, in a manner that preserves the peace while at the same time ensuring that humanitarian needs of the people of the DPRK are addressed.
 
I thank you for your attention