EUHR Solana condemns nuclear test by North Korea

Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), today issued the following statement on the nuclear test performed this morning by North Korea:

"North Korea has carried out its first nuclear test. I firmly condemn this nuclear test, which is a totally irresponsible act. It seriously undermines regional security and stability. This test is also a matter of grave concern owing to its wider proliferation implications. The test is a further major violation by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of its obligations under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has ignored the opposition of the international community. On Friday the UN Security Council warned North Korea against performing a nuclear test. Neighbouring countries, including Japan, China and South Korea, issued strong warnings as well.

I regret that once again DPRK has ignored advice from the international community and broken its word. The nuclear test reinforces DPRK's isolation and goes against the fundamental interests of the North Korean people. It is a severe threat to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and of the world as a whole.

I will be consulting with our partners. I am in contact with the ministers of the region, including the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers. We need to consider our response calmly but this response should be firm and clear.

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• EU Parliamentarians condemn North Korean nuclear test in debate with Solana (12/10/2006)
• "North Korea" - Speech by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner (11/10/2006)
• Corea del Norte: Resumen de la intervención de Solana, Alto Representante de la UE para la PESC, ante el pleno del Parlamento Europeo sobre los últimos acontecimientos  (11/10/2006)
• EUHR Solana welcomes closer links between Japan, China and Republic of Korea, and expresses support in the wake of DPRK nuclear test (10/10/2006)
• North Korean parliamentary delegation challenged on nuclear test by EU Parliamentarians (10/10/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement - Nuclear Weapons (10/10/2006)
• EU Presidency Statement on the carrying out of a nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (9/10/2006)