The UK urges the DPRK to cease missile launches and take steps towards peace: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing and I welcome the participation of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at this meeting.

As we’ve heard, we meet because on the 21st November the DPRK made a third attempt at launching a military reconnaissance satellite. It triggered Japan’s local alert system in Okinawa forcing civilians to take shelter. That was followed by a ballistic missile launch on the 22nd November.

These are clear threats to global peace and security which is the core responsibility of this Council and they violate multiple Security Council resolutions. Moreover, these launches follow increased engagement between Russia and the DPRK, including Kim Jong Un’s visit to Vostochny Cosmodrome in September, where he met President Putin. 

When asked by a reporter whether Russia would help North Korea launch its own satellites and rockets, President Putin responded “that’s exactly why we came here.” The leader of North Korea shows great interest in space. We have in addition credible reports of Russia sourcing weapons from the DPRK. 

All this, as ASG Khiari said, has humanitarian consequences. The North Korean people suffer the most as resources are diverted. So what should this Council do?  Some argue that this Council should remain silent and avoid escalating the situation, but the DPRK shows no sign of restraint in response. In fact, the DPRK has stated its intention to launch more satellites. This follows 29 launches of ballistic missiles so far this year, including four intercontinental ballistic missiles. The DPRK has written its nuclear aspirations into its constitution. 

So what should we do? First, I welcome the participation of the DPRK in today’s debate. Above all, I hope you will report to Pyongyang our concern for the people of DPRK, and in this respect, I encourage the DPRK to reopen its borders and re-engage with UN agencies. 

Second, this Council should reiterate the depth of our resolve to combating proliferation. We urge the DPRK to cease its arms supply and abide by its public commitment not to sell arms to Russia. 

Third, we urge the DPRK to cease these launches, return to dialogue, and take credible steps towards denuclearisation and peace on the Korean Peninsula. President, I urge this Council to demonstrate our commitment to ensure that our resolutions are enforced and to send a united message to the DPRK.