Security Council meeting. The Security Council discussed the launch of the DPRK intercontinental ballistic missile Peace and Security
The UN is concerned about the growing tension on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK’s desire to create nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions undermines the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
This was stated on Monday at a meeting of the Security Council by UN Assistant Secretary-General for Asia and the Middle East Khaled Khiari. The Council convened in connection with North Korea’s latest launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
“The DPRK’s launch of another intercontinental ballistic missile is of grave concern and poses a serious threat to regional stability. Despite numerous Security Council meetings in 2023 and 2024, the DPRK has not heeded calls to refrain from further launches,” Khiari said.
On October 31, the DPRK announced the launch of a Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile flew a distance of about 1,000 kilometers, reaching an altitude of more than 7,000 kilometers before falling into the sea. North Korea described the launch as a “very important test” that demonstrates “North Korea’s strategic missile capabilities.”
As the UN assistant chief noted, North Korea has not issued any maritime or airspace security notices, posing a serious threat to international civil aviation and maritime shipping, especially given the possibility of unintentional incidents.
Khiari recalled that since the DPRK announced its five-year military development plan in January 2021, it has launched at least 11 intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Hwasong-19 has been setting new records for flight duration and altitude. The missile is also reported to be larger than its predecessor, the Hwasong-18, and can potentially carry larger warheads or even multiple warheads.
Earlier, the UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the launch of the Hwasong-19. He called for de-escalation, full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, the creation of an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and the resumption of negotiations, stressing that diplomatic engagement remains the only path to peace on the Korean Peninsula and its denuclearization.
Khiari stressed that the UN and its partners stand ready to provide assistance to the people of the DPRK.
“We call on the DPRK authorities to facilitate the return of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team,” he said.
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