Chair,
Australia fully aligns itself with the Joint Statement of the DPRK Core Group. In addition, I would like to make some brief remarks in my national capacity.
Australia underscores the appreciation expressed by those who have spoken before us, regarding the IAEA’s professional efforts to keep Board members informed of developments related to the DPRK’s nuclear program. The Agency’s factual and objective assessments remain essential to us all.
This Board has a responsibility to call out activities and actions that undermine the global non-proliferation regime. The DPRK’s illegal development of nuclear weapons, and other weapons of mass destruction, along with its ballistic missile programs, are all examples of this. Australia is deeply troubled by indications of ongoing efforts to expand the DPRK’s undeclared fissile material production capabilities, and reprocessing activities, as outlined in the Director General’s introductory statement.
We recall the international community’s firm opposition to the DPRK’s unilateral renunciation of its obligations following this Board’s finding of non‑compliance with its safeguards agreement, its subsequent nuclear tests, and actions to cease all cooperation with the Agency. We regret the decision of one delegation to break the long-standing consensus on the DPRK resolution at the recent General Conference. Australia emphasises the importance of keeping this issue on the Board’s agenda. We reject attempts to mute international concerns regarding the DPRK’s contempt for international law and the non-proliferation regime.
Chair
Australia urges the DPRK to return to full compliance with its non-proliferation obligations and to cooperate with the IAEA for the full and effective implementation of comprehensive safeguards. We utterly reject any attempt by the DPRK, or others, to normalise its illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons. The DPRK cannot, and will never, have the status of a Nuclear Weapon State under the NPT. We urge the DPRK to take concrete steps towards the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear weapons program and engage in meaningful dialogue and diplomacy, which provide the only path to achieving enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Australia requests that the Director General continues to monitor and report on developments to the Board, as appropriate.
Thank you, Chair.