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Agenda item 6(b): Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

IAEA Board of Governors

Agenda item 6(b): Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

8 March 2023

Statement by H.E Mr Richard Sadleir, Governor and Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA

 

Chair

Australia continues to condemn in the strongest terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s ongoing aggressive and destabilising actions in support of its illegal and dangerous nuclear weapons program, in continued violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Australia was appalled by the DPRK’s latest series of missile launches just last month, including an ICBM that landed inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. 

The DPRK’s continued advancement of its illegal nuclear weapon programme, including long-range missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons, threatens all countries. These actions cannot be normalised or downplayed.

It is critical that the international community responds to the DPRK’s dangerous and reckless actions in a firm, united manner. We must demonstrate our commitment to ensuring UN Security Council sanctions against the DPRK are implemented to the fullest extent possible. Australia urges all Member States to join us in calling on the DPRK to comply with all UN Security Council resolutions requiring it to abandon its nuclear, other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

Chair

We urge the DPRK to cease provocations, make a sustained commitment to diplomacy and return to full compliance with IAEA safeguards and the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon state, allowing the return of IAEA inspectors.

Australia continues to urge the DPRK to refrain from conducting further nuclear explosive tests, and to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty without further delay.

Finally Chair

Australia continues to commend the IAEA for its ongoing readiness to return to the DPRK to play an essential role in re-establishing safeguards and verifying the DPRK’s nuclear program.

Thank you, Chair.