Ban condemns DPRK nuclear test
Listen /
Castle Romeo (yield 11 Mt) – an atmospheric nuclear test carried out by the U.S. on 1 March 1954 at Bikini Atoll, Marshal Islands. Image in the public domain Image: U.S Government
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the underground nuclear weapon test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday, saying it is a clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.
In a statement through his spokesperson, the Secretary-General says "it is deplorable that Pyongyang defied the strong and unequivocal call from the international community to refrain from any further provocative measures". The statement says "the Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the negative impact of this deeply destabilizing act on regional stability as well as the global efforts for nuclear non-proliferation". And he once again urges the DPRK to reverse course and work towards de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
According to the statement, the Secretary-General has repeatedly called on the new leadership in Pyongyang to address international concerns and start building confidence with neighbouring countries and the international community.
The statement says the Secretary-General is confident that the Security Council will remain united and take appropriate action. In the meantime, the Secretary-General remains in close contact with all concerned parties and stands ready to assist their efforts.
Donn Bobb, United Nations.
Duration:1’13″
