TUE 12 FEBRUARY 2013
Today, North Korea’s official news agency claimed North Korea had conducted a successful nuclear test.
Seismic data supports this claim and a third North Korean nuclear test is consistent with North Korea’s dangerous nuclear ambitions.
The Australian Government condemns in the strongest possible terms nuclear testing by North Korea.
Nuclear testing by North Korea clearly violates United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009) and 2087 (2013) which demand North Korea not conduct any further nuclear tests.
North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and missiles and its proliferation of sensitive technologies threaten international peace and security.
North Korea’s actions challenge the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
Only last month, in unanimously adopting Resolution 2087, the Security Council expressed its determination to take significant action in the event of a further North Korean nuclear test.
Australia has called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council. As a Security Council member, Australia will work for the strongest possible response to North Korea’s continuing defiance of the will of international community.
Australia will also be making its deep concerns known to the North Korean Government directly, as well as in international and regional forums.
North Korea’s future security and prosperity can only be secured through constructive relations with its neighbours and the international community.
Australia will continue to work closely with our friends and allies for peace and stability in North Asia.
