Non-proliferation: The Launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by the DPRK

BRIEFING ON NON-PROLIFERATION: THE LAUNCH OF AN INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE BY THE DPRK

I thank USG Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing to the Council and welcome the participation of the distinguished representatives of Japan and Korea. The Council is meeting for the second time in three weeks, to discuss a second launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
 
The current ICBM launch, which is reported to be the new Hwasong-17 and described by analyst as the most powerful yet by the DPRK, comes on the heels of seven other ICBM launches and the launch of a barrage of over 70 ballistic and other missiles this year alone, all in clear violation of several Security Council resolutions.

Ghana is gravely concerned about the continued breach by the DPRK of existing Security Council resolutions. We strongly urge the DPRK to refrain from further ballistic missile launches and return to compliance with the NPT, as well as IAEA safeguards. We also reiterate our call for the Council to speak with one voice in urging all parties to work towards deescalating tensions in the region and resuming constructive and credible dialogue.

We hope that this Council and all relevant parties would be able to act in a swift manner to preserve the peace and ensure the humanitarian needs of the people of the DPRK.

I thank you.