North Korea/DPRK: Statement by the European Union on the Launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

The European Union strongly condemns the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) recent launch of another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 12th, marking the fourth such launch this year. This ongoing behavior by the DPRK indicates its intent to develop the capability to deploy weapons of mass destruction, posing a significant threat to international peace and security.

In light of these actions, the DPRK must immediately cease all illegal and dangerous activities that violate UN Security Council resolutions and recklessly escalate military tensions in the region. The EU calls upon the DPRK to comply fully with its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions, including the abandonment of all nuclear weapons, ballistic missile programs, and existing nuclear activities. This should be done in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner.

Achieving sustainable peace and security on the Korean peninsula requires the DPRK's commitment to international non-proliferation frameworks. The EU firmly asserts that the DPRK cannot and will never be recognized as a nuclear weapon state under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or any other special status in that regard. Therefore, the EU urges the DPRK to immediately return to full compliance with the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon state and to uphold its obligations under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Additionally, the DPRK should bring into force the Additional Protocol and sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

The EU acknowledges that the diversion of resources towards illicit weapons programs exacerbates the challenging living conditions endured by much of the DPRK's population. It is essential for the DPRK to prioritize the well-being of its people by redirecting resources towards peaceful development and meeting humanitarian needs.

The EU calls upon the international community, especially the UN Security Council's member states, to respond unitedly and resolutely in upholding the international non-proliferation architecture and preventing further escalation of military tensions by the DPRK. All UN Member States are urged to ensure the full implementation of UN sanctions and actively encourage the DPRK to engage in meaningful dialogue with all concerned parties.

In solidarity with the Republic of Korea and Japan, the EU stands ready to collaborate with relevant partners to facilitate a meaningful diplomatic process. The ultimate objective is to achieve sustainable peace and security on the Korean peninsula through the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization.

Themes covered: Condemnation of DPRK's intercontinental ballistic missile launch Threat to international peace and security Violation of UN Security Council resolutions Call for cessation of illegal and dangerous actions Full compliance with UN Security Council resolutions Rejection of DPRK's nuclear weapon state status Emphasis on NPT compliance and IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement Additional Protocol and Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Impact of weapons programs on the DPRK population Unity and firm response from the international community Implementation of UN sanctions Importance of meaningful dialogue Solidarity with the Republic of Korea and Japan Commitment to denuclearization for sustainable peace and security #NorthKorea #DPRK #ICBM #PeaceAndSecurity #NonProliferation #UNSanctions #Denuclearization #Solidarity #MeaningfulDialogue

Glossary Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) : The official name of North Korea. Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) : A type of missile capable of traveling long distances through the atmosphere to hit targets located far from the launch point. Weapons of Mass Destruction : Weapons capable of causing extensive damage and destruction, such as nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons. UN Security Council : The principal organ of the United Nations responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) : An international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting nuclear disarmament. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) : A United Nations organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and oversees aspects related to nuclear non-proliferation. IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement : An agreement in which states with nuclear activities commit to allowing IAEA inspections and verification to ensure peaceful use of nuclear technologies. Additional Protocol : An optional agreement that enhances the inspection and verification obligations of the IAEA provided under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) : An international treaty aimed at banning all nuclear explosive testing. UN Sanctions : Coercive measures adopted by the United Nations to apply pressure on a country or entity that violates international law or poses a threat to international peace and security. Denuclearization : The process of eliminating and abolishing nuclear weapons and nuclear programs. Korean Peninsula : The geographical region where both North Korea and South Korea are located, divided by the 38th parallel after World War II. Diplomatic Dialogue : A process of discussion and negotiation between countries or parties to resolve disputes or reach agreements on common issues. Solidarity : Support and unity of purpose demonstrated by one country or organization towards another country or group of people in times of difficulty or crisis. Republic of Korea : The official name of South Korea.

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