"North Korea" - Speech by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner

Speech by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, "North Korea" at the European Parliament Plenary, Brussels

The nuclear test which North Korea claims to have conducted at Gilju in Hamgyong province on the morning of 9 October is an extremely serious matter, which I unreservedly condemn. Not only does it threaten regional stability in northeast Asia: it also constitutes the latest in a series of challenges by Pyongyang to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Following the announcement of its intention to carry out such a test last Tuesday [3 October], North Korea has proceeded in defiance of the near-unanimous advice and wishes of the international community. This action increases North Korea's international isolation and it is difficult to see how it can serve the interest of the country's long-suffering population.

As ever, North Korea's motives are very opaque. It does not seem unreasonable, however, to regard this as a deliberate escalation and provocation by DPRK, possibly to test the ability of the international community to remain united. The European Union has spoken out clearly in response to this nuclear test.

I am pleased to note that the international community has also been swift, resolute and united in condemning these actions. The very forceful and clear-cut position of China is particularly significant and welcome. I happen to be just back from Malaysia and Singapore and can testify that this nuclear test has raised grave concern in this part of the world. People fear the consequences of this action on the overall regional stability in the Far East.

The forthcoming GAERC next week will be an opportunity to discuss the EU's response.

The question now arises what we should do next.

The international community will have to take appropriate actions towards the North Korean regime. Someone will have to talk to this regime to bring it out of its paranoiac and aggressive posture.

Over the past decade, the European Union has played an active role in support of wider international efforts to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. In light of the humanitarian emergency which began in the early 1990s, we have been an important donor, delivering some €345 million in assistance since 1995. We have also played our part in support of earlier non-proliferation efforts through the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organisation (KEDO). We have offered political support for the Six-Party Talks although we are not direct participants in this process. Clearly, as a global actor which has done its share in the past, we should now again play our part in the response to what is clearly a global problem.

It is still a little too early to say what action the EU should take, although various options are on the table. As a staunch advocate of multilateralism, the European Union must pay particular attention to what is decided at the United Nations. In line with the treaties, we look to the EU member states sitting on the Security Council to take due account of EU views as they participate actively in these important discussions in New York. I am pleased to note that negotiations within the Security Council appear to be making good and rapid progress towards a substantive resolution on this matter.

Let me say finally that I think that it is absolutely necessary to continue with our humanitarian aid for the suffering and most needed North Korean population who should not be punished for these acts of their government.

Thank you.

| Arriba |

• Non-proliferation Speech by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner (13/3/2007)
• EU Presidency Declaration on the Six Party Talks (14/2/2007)
• EUHR comments on agreement at six-party talks on DPRK nuclear issue (13/2/2007)
• "The European Union and Russia - developing our shared European continent" : Speech by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner  (23/10/2006)
• North Korean and Iranian delegates meet EU Parliamentarians (19/10/2006)
• EU Parliamentarians condemn North Korean nuclear test in debate with Solana (12/10/2006)
• 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 on the carrying out of a nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (9/10/2006)
• EUHR Solana condemns nuclear test by North Korea (9/10/2006)