Calls for Unification in Security Council on North Korea’s Latest Missile Test – Global Affairs
“The unity of Security Council In this regard is essential to relieve stressovercome a diplomatic deadlock and avoid a negative action-reaction cycle,” Rosemary DiCarloSecretary-General in charge of political affairs and peacebuilding.
She also emphasized UN commitment to work with all parties towards complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, while urging Pyongyang to “reset course to dialogue“And builds on previous diplomatic efforts.
Escalation of tension
DiCarlo said that according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the North Korean state news agency, commonly known as North Korea, the country launched a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile – the so-called North Korea. is Hwasong 17 – on March 24, from Sunan City.
It covers 1,090 km and reaches an altitude of about 6,200 km, creating an impact on waters within Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
Secretary General António Guterres strongly condemn the launch that same day, describing it as a clear violation of the country’s own 2018 ban on ballistic missile tests and related Security Council resolutions.
It also risks causing a significant escalation of tensions in the region and beyond, he said.
‘Serious risk’ to civil aviation
Recalling the last time North Korea conducted a similar intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in November 2017, Ms. DiCarlo told the Council that the country has nonetheless conducted multiple missile tests. another fire only in 2022.
According to the Government’s public statements, the launches involved the testing of so-called hypersonic weapons, railway missiles, intermediate-range ballistic missiles and the testing of systems involved in the development of the so-called military spy satellites.
Council 2397 . resolution (2017) reaffirmed the agency’s decision that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would not conduct any further launches using ballistic missile technology.
Ms. DiCarlo noted that Pyongyang has not made any announcements about airspace or maritime safety for any recent launches, adding that the International Civil Aviation Organization (International Civil Aviation Organization)ICAO) Yes repeatedly informing the country that unannounced missile launches represent a “serious risk to international civil aviation.”. ”
UN photo / Manuel Elias
The Security Council meets to discuss the issue of nuclear non-proliferation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (commonly known as North Korea).
‘Despite repeated requests’
Ms. DiCarlo told the Council that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also reported “ongoing signs consistent with 5-megawatt reactor operation at the Yongyon site.”
At the same time, analysis of satellite images showed that there was new activity at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, the first time since the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced its closure and dismantling, in 2018. .
“In pursuing nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile programs, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is defying repeated requests from the Council to cease such activities‘ she emphasized.
She added that the UN is ready to work with all parties towards the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
It is also ready to assist those in need in North Korea, where vulnerability has increased since the country began to impose self-isolation amid the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic.
