S/PV.8039 Security Council

As this is the first public meeting of the Security Council for the month of September, I should like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Security Council, to pay tribute to His Excellency Ambassador Amr Aboulatta, Permanent Representative of Egypt, for his service as President of the Council for the month of August. I am sure I speak for all members of the Security Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Aboulatta and his delegation for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council’s business last month. Adoption of the agenda

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Republic of Korea to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Feltman. Mr. Feltman: In a statement by its official news agency on 3 September, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced that it had successfully conducted a sixth nuclear explosive test. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea characterized the event as a “perfect success in the test of a hydrogen bomb for intercontinental ballistic missile”. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea further said that it also “marked a very significant occasion in attaining the final goal of completing the state nuclear force”. The Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), in Vienna, said in a statement that the organization’s monitoring stations had picked up an unusual seismic event in the area of the site used in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for its previous nuclear tests. The CTBTO’s data indicated that the event measured approximately 6.0 in magnitude. Governmental sources from United Nations Member States measured a yield as high as 6.3. In any case, it is evident the yield of the device was larger than any of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s previous nuclear tests. Experts have estimated a yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons, or on average more than five times more powerful than the weapon detonated over Hiroshima and at the low end of the yield of a modern thermonuclear weapon. The CTBTO detected a second smaller seismic event at the location of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea test site eight and half minutes after the main event. The CTBTO has not yet completed its analysis of this second event, but experts have speculated that it could have been caused by the collapse of the tunnel used in the nuclear test. In an earlier statement the same day, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea official media reported that their leader had inspected what they claimed to be a hydrogen bomb, which was conspicuously displayed in front of a payload fairing for a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea article stated that the hydrogen bomb was “a multi-functional thermonuclear nuke with great destructive power which can be detonated even at high altitudes for super-powerful EMP attack”. This was a rare reference by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the use of an electromagnetic pulse, which, triggered by a nuclear weapon, would aim for widespread damage and disruption to electricity grids and sensitive electronics, including on satellites. This is the second emergency Security Council meeting on non-proliferation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in less than a week, and the tenth time the Security Council has met to discuss the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea this year. On 31 August, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Foreign Ministry issued a statement rejecting the Security Council’s recent presidential statement S/PRST/2017/16, and said that the ballistic missile launch of 29 August was the “first step taken by the Korean People’s Army in its Pacific operation and a meaningful prelude to restraining Guam”. There are reports today indicating that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea may be preparing new ballistic missile tests. We are alarmed by this dangerous provocation. The Secretary-General condemns the underground nuclear test announced by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This act is yet another serious breach of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s international obligations and undermines international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts. This act is also profoundly destabilizing for regional and international security. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the only country that continues to break the norm against nuclear test explosions. The Secretary-General reiterates his call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea leadership to cease such acts and to comply fully with its international obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions. The Secretary-General counts on the Security Council to remain united and take appropriate action. As was said in the Security Council meeting last week (see S/PV.8034), as tensions rise so does the risk of misunderstanding, miscalculation and escalation. The latest serious developments require a comprehensive response in order to break the cycle of provocations from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Such a response must include wise and bold diplomacy if it is to be effective. As the Council considers its reaction, the Secretary- General reiterates the importance of responding to humanitarian imperatives regardless of the political situation. The people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea rely on the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need. We will continue to follow the developments and remain in close coordination with the concerned international organizations, members of the Council and other Governments concerned.

I thank Mr. Feltman for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

We want to thank you, Sir, for allowing us to have this meeting so promptly, as it is very urgent. We also want to thank the Ambassador of Egypt and his team for the steady hand and the calm way in which they led the Council last month. For more than 20 years, the Security Council has taken actions against North Korea’s nuclear programme, and for more than 20 years North Korea has defied our collective voice. It is worth taking a few moments to recount some of the history. In 1993, the Council adopted resolution 825 (1993), calling on North Korea to remain in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. That did not work. North Korea withdrew from the Treaty and continued its nuclear pursuit. In 2006, the Six-Party Talks faltered, and North Korea conducted several ballistic missile launches. That led to resolution 1695 (2006), condemning them. The same year, North Korea conducted its first nuclear test. That led to resolution 1718 (2006), establishing a United Nations sanctions regime aiming to stop all nuclear, ballistic missile and other weapons of mass destruction programmes. After the Six-Party Talks fell apart again in 2009, North Korea conducted additional missile launches and its second nuclear test. That led to resolution 1874 (2009), which expanded sanctions, including an arms embargo and cargo inspection obligations. In 2012, the leap day deal failed, and North Korea conducted two new space launches. The Security Council responded with the adoption of resolution 2087 (2013). Following North Korea’s third nuclear test in 2013, the Council adopted resolution 2094 (2013), expanding sanctions to restrict financial, maritime, aviation and diplomatic activities. By 2016, North Korea had conducted its fourth nuclear test and another space launch. It followed that with more missile launches. In response, the Council adopted multiple resolutions expanding sanctions even further, targeting whole sectors of North Korea’s economy. Finally, this year, the Council got even more serious. First, we adopted resolution 2356 (2017), designating high-ranking North Korean Government officials and the military’s Strategic Rocket Forces Command for individual sanctions. Then, just last month, after the regime’s first two intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches, we adopted resolution 2371 (2017) — the strongest sanctions we have ever imposed on North Korea. That resolution banned North Korean exports of coal, iron and seafood, and imposed several other measures that will significantly cut off the revenues needed to fund its nuclear programme. Why did I take the time to go through this history? I did so to make this point. The Security Council has spoken with unusual unity and consistency on North Korea. That is a good thing. Along the way, there have been problems with implementation, and the Council has at times been too slow and too weak, but this is not a situation in which we have allowed divisions among us to stop any action. Still, here we are. Despite our efforts over the past 24 years, the North Korean nuclear programme is more advanced and more dangerous than ever. It now fires missiles over Japanese air space. It now has ICBM capabilities. it now claims to have tested a hydrogen bomb. And just this morning, there are reports that the regime is preparing for yet another ICBM launch. To the members of the Security Council, I must say, “enough is enough”. We have taken an incremental approach and, despite the best of intentions, it has not worked. Members of the Council will no doubt urge negotiations and a return to talks. But as I have just outlined, we have engaged in numerous direct and multilateral talks with the North Korean regime, and time after time they have not worked. The time for half measures in the Security Council is over. The time has come to exhaust all of our diplomatic means before it is too late. We must now adopt the strongest possible measures. Kim Jong Un’s action cannot be seen as defensive. He wants to be acknowledged as a nuclear Power, but being a nuclear Power is not about using those terrible weapons to threaten others. Nuclear Powers understand their responsibilities. Kim Jong Un shows no such understanding. His abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war. War is never something the United States wants. We do not want it now, but our country’s patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory. The idea that some have suggested of a so-called freeze-for-freeze is insulting. When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly will not. The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, and that means quickly enacting the strongest possible measures here in the Security Council. Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy. We have kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left. This crisis goes well beyond the United Nations. The United States will look at every country that does business with North Korea as a country that is giving aid to its reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions. What we do in connection with North Korea will have a real impact on how other outlaw nations that seek nuclear weapons choose to conduct themselves in the future. The stakes could not be higher. The urgency is now. Twenty-four years of half measures and failed talks are enough.

We appreciate the presidency’s swift convening of this urgent briefing, which was jointly requested by the United States, the Republic of Korea, France, the United Kingdom and Japan. We also appreciate the briefing by Mr. Feltman. Less than a week ago, the members of the Security Council gathered to condemn the launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea, which flew over Japan (see S/PV.8034). Yesterday, North Korea announced that it had succeeded in miniaturizing a nuclear warhead that could be attached to an intercontinental ballistic missile. Only hours later, North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test. Seen together, it is clear how belligerent and dangerous North Korea’s actions are and how it is not a problem merely for North Korea’s neighbours, but for the entire international community. The Security Council must waste no time in ending such an outrageous and unacceptable challenge to the security and safety of the world. With regard to nuclear testing, North Korea is the only country to have conducted nuclear tests in the twenty-first century. Almost exactly one year ago, North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test, and the members of the Council were united in expressing their condemnation in the strongest terms (see S/PV.7821). The international community urged North Korea to stop, but North Korea poured precious resources into enhancing its nuclear capabilities. As a result, the sixth nuclear test exhibited an explosive magnitude of force far greater than the previous one, and has raised the threat to an unprecedented level. Concerning missile launches, the Security Council adopted a stern presidential statement (S/PRST/2017/16) less than a week ago. I will not repeat the discussion (see S/PV.8034), but let me just remind Council members that missile launches and nuclear tests are part and parcel of North Korea’s nuclear development. Taken holistically, the threat that it poses truly has entered a new level, which is more grave and imminent. The nuclear test by North Korea is a clear violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and a brazen challenge to the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime based on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It also violates the Japan-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Pyongyang Declaration, as well as the Joint Statement of the Fourth Round of the Six-Party Talks. Japan strongly condemns North Korea and has directly lodged a protest against North Korea. Japan welcomes the fact that many countries in the world, members of the Council and Secretary-General Guterres have already issued statements strongly condemning North Korea, but, beyond condemnation, the Security Council must act to stop North Korea from continuing down this road. We should make it clear to the North Koreans that continuing their current policy will entail serious consequences. We must put the maximum amount of pressure on North Korea to change its policy. It continues to be critically important for all Member States to faithfully implement the relevant existing resolutions, which have been unanimously adopted, including resolutions 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017) and 2371 (2017), but that is not sufficient. Japan stresses the need for the Council to adopt swiftly a new resolution with further robust sanction measures. In paragraph 29 of resolution 2371 (2017), the Security Council expressed its “determination to take further significant measures in the event of a further DPRK nuclear test or launch.” The Council must act on in accordance with that affirmation. Japan is looking forward to continuing to work closely with all the members of the Council on this ever-more urgent and grave threat to the peace and security of the world.

First of all, I should like to thank Egypt for its outstanding presidency of the Security Council last month and to congratulate Ethiopia through you, Sir, for having assumed the presidency for the month of September. You can naturally count on France’s full support for the coming month, which looks to be particularly busy. I thank you for having convened this emergency meeting upon our joint request alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea and Japan. I also thank Jeffrey Feltman for his very enlightening briefing. Yesterday, North Korea once again crossed a major red line towards escalation. After launching two intercontinental ballistic missiles and placing one of the countries of the region in clear and present danger, last night it carried out its sixth nuclear test. The event was immediately detected by the International Monitoring System of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. Through its highest ranking officials, my country has voiced its most vehement condemnation of that event. In addition to the expression of solidarity that I offer to the countries of the region on behalf of France, with deep concern, I am calling on the countries of the international community to be lucid and firm. Obviously, each one of us is concerned today because each on of us is threatened. Let us make no mistake. In just a few months, the threat has changed in its dimensions and even its nature. The threat is no longer merely regional. It is global. It is no longer merely virtual. It is immediate. It is no longer merely serious. It is existential. This serious and global threat endangers our security, strategic stability and international peace. Through its sixth nuclear test, the Pyongyang regime continues to violate its obligations, and defy us. Every one of the actions taken by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea corresponds to its relentless, continuous and methodical work to make its dangerous obsession into a reality as quickly as possible. I am speaking of the possession of an operational nuclear arsenal aimed at changing not only the regional but the international balance. The combination of nuclear capability, to which I referred, and North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles constitutes henceforth an erga omnes danger everywhere. In that regard, weakness or prevarication is not an option. That is why France calls for a swift, firm and unified response from the Security Council, based in particular on three specific points: the rapid adoption of new sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, very strict implementation of existing sanctions by all actors concerned and the adoption of additional measures by the European Union. Let us be cognizant of the fact that time is running out. We know that Pyongyang does not hesitate and will not hesitate to sacrifice its own people in order to flout the most basic rules we have devised on non-proliferation and so on. That is understood to be a major threat to the very foundation of our entire law and security system; one that we cannot accept. We are all responsible for ensuring that that system is respected, preserved and even strengthened; our credibility is at stake. There are those who believe that the international community is not willing to engage in dialogue but, regrettably, the current situation is not at all conducive to negotiations. My country has always supported dialogue. Nonetheless, it must be noted that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has not given us even the smallest sign or assurance that it would perhaps be willing to negotiate on its nuclear and ballistic activities. In the light of such blatant disregard for international law and the authority of the Security Council, there can be no compromise. We have stated on multiple occasions that the violation of Council decisions cannot be treated as a commodity. We cannot allow others to dictate our response. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must end its nuclear and ballistic programme in a comprehensive, verifiable and irreversible manner and meet its international obligations without delay. France also believes that it should join the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty. A firm collective response alone will be effective in successfully bringing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, without conditions, to the negotiating table. We must remain accountable in fully implementing existing sanctions. They are not an end in themselves, but they are indispensable. Let us recall that major economic sanctions were adopted by the Council only in 2016, and they are having an effect. Nonetheless, in the light of new developments, we must put maximum pressure on the Pyongyang regime. France therefore supports the swift adoption of new sanctions, in particular economic and sectoral sanctions, by the Council. As I said, we remain resolute and committed to similar efforts within the European Union. In the worrisome spiral of one-upmanship and provocation in which it finds itself, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must bear the consequences of its unremitting obstinacy. The only response that we can provide is a very stringent, unambiguous policy, with the end goal of a complete dismantling of the Republic’s programmes. Only through a strict policy and maximum pressure on the regime will we be able to change the course of events, bring the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the negotiating table, without conditions, and embark on the path to a political settlement to the crisis. Given the acute and extremely serious threat, the Security Council must shoulder its responsibility. Rest assured of France’s resolute commitment in that regard, as a permanent member of the Security Council.

This is the sixth time that the Security Council has come together to condemn a nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; the sixth time that the world has held its breath. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the only country in the twenty-first century to have conducted such tests, against all international standards of behaviour. In addition, we have met many times in recent months, following other provocations from the Republic, most recently, just last week, in response to its reckless missile test over Japan. Yesterday’s nuclear test explosion was by far the largest yet. Combined with the increasing range of its missiles, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea poses a threat, not simply to its region, but truly to global peace and security. The most recent test has been quite rightly condemned already by most of the Governments represented here today. We have adopted eight sanctions resolutions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The country is subject to the most stringent sanctions currently applied by the Council, and yet the Republic continues to put its illegal missile and nuclear programmes ahead of international law, international security and the will of the Council. It is a disturbing and unprecedented situation. Rarely has a State remained so defiant in the face of overwhelming international condemnation and repeated powerful rounds of sanctions. It is clear that existing sanctions applied by the Security Council on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are having an effect, in particular the measures against commodity exports and the financial sector that have been applied since 2016. Those sanctions are making its harder and harder for Pyongyang to acquire the hard currency necessary to fund its programme. Each day, that gets harder still, thanks to the efforts of many States around the table. Those who doubt that impact need only read the statements coming from the regime. They rail against the sanctions that we have placed upon them. But it is also clear that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is uniquely willing to put its illicit programmes ahead of the well-being of its people. Those people suffer appalling repression and struggle even to feed themselves. The leadership of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has chosen that path of defiance at great cost. Faced with this unique threat to international peace and security, the Security Council must condemn the test and the entire nuclear and missile programme of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We continue to wish for a peaceful way forward. Dialogue will always be our end goal, but returning to dialogue without a serious sign of intent from Pyongyang would be a set-up for failure. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must change course to allow a return to dialogue. Were it to do so, the opportunity exists to end the crisis. Until that moment, we must stay the course on sanctions and, as the Secretary-General has called for, continue to present a united front. When we met last week, I stated that the United Kingdom believed that a new resolution was required in response to the Republic’s dangerous and illegal test flight of the missile over Japan. In the light of yesterday’s nuclear test, our resolve to act has increased further. We must increase the pace of implementation of existing sanctions and work rapidly towards the adoption of a new and effective resolution. While continuing to enforce the measures that the Council has already agreed, we should go further by taking steps to sever the funds on which the regime relies in order to pursue its illegal and destabilizing programmes. Not least, we should further restrict the unethical exploitation of overseas workers of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has created a deeply dangerous and unstable situation. The United Kingdom will work with our partners on the Council and beyond to tackle the challenge. I urge all States to join us.

On 3 September, despite the broad opposition of the international community, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea disregarded the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and once again conducted a nuclear test. The Chinese Government resolutely opposes and strongly condemns the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in violation of Security Council resolutions. Achieving the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and maintaining the nuclear non-proliferation system and peace and stability in North-East Asia constitute the firm stand of the Chinese Government, as well as the overall aspiration of the international community. We strongly urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to face up squarely to the firm will of the international community on the issue of the denuclearization of the peninsula and earnestly abide by the relevant resolutions of the Council; stop taking actions that are wrong, that lead to the deterioration of the situation and that are not in line with its own interests; and to return to the track of solving the issue through dialogue. The situation on the Korean peninsula continues to deteriorate as we speak, falling into a vicious circle. The peninsula issue must be resolved peacefully. China will never allow chaos and war on the peninsula. The parties concerned must strengthen their sense of urgency; take due responsibility; play their due roles; take practical measures; make joint efforts to ease the situation together; restart the dialogue and talks; and prevent further deterioration of the situation on the peninsula. China and Russia proposed a two-track approach that promotes the denuclearization of the peninsula and the establishment of a peace mechanism in parallel. The suspension-for-suspension initiative, which calls for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and the Republic of Korea to suspend their large-scale military exercises, and the step-by-step concept by Russia are the basis on which both countries jointly proposed a road map to resolve the peninsula issue. That joint initiative by China and Russia is practical and feasible and is aimed at addressing the most urgent security concerns of the parties concerned; easing the tension as soon as possible; preventing the continuous escalation of the situation; achieving through dialogue the denuclearization of the peninsula; and maintaining the peace and stability of the peninsula and the region. We hope that the parties concerned will seriously consider that proposal and actively respond to it. China calls upon the international community to jointly and comprehensively implement the relevant resolutions of the Security Council on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, firmly push forward the goal of denuclearization of the peninsula and firmly maintain the peace and stability of the peninsula.

I thank Mr. Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing on this alarming issue, and the United States of America, Japan and the Republic of Korea for initiating today’s Security Council briefing. The open format of our meeting is important, as it leaves no doubt as to what the North Korean regime will hear from every member of the Security Council. We need to express our attitude to their policies loudly and clearly. Ukraine is deeply concerned about the conduct of yet another nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which represents a threat to international peace and security and constitutes a flagrant breach of the non-proliferation regime, including universal norms prohibiting nuclear testing. In that regard, I would like to recall the statement issued today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine: “In conjunction with Pyongyang’s aggressive ballistic missile programme, it now poses a real threat not only to neighbouring countries, but also to the entire international community. As the country that voluntarily renounced its third-largest nuclear arsenal along with the strategic means of its delivery, Ukraine regards Pyongyang’s recent actions as a conscious, reckless and dangerous provocation. It is most deplorable that the North Korean leadership has once again defied — bluntly and cynically — numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions. “Ukraine calls on Pyongyang to refrain from any demonstration of force, cease all nuclear tests without delay and restart a constructive dialogue, without preconditions, in order to ensure the complete, irreversible and verifiable renunciation of its nuclear and missile programmes. Ukraine stands ready to join other members of the international community, including as a current non-permanent member of the Security Council, in taking stronger and more decisive measures to curb future nuclear and missile threats. In order to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime, we call upon the Security Council to undertake an in-depth investigation into the development of the North Korean nuclear and missile programmes, in order to expose any possible foreign assistance to Pyongyang in this area.” There are some points that the Ukrainian delegation would like to highlight in that regard. Pyongyang’s policy has proved to be very persistent and clear in ignoring international law and the numerous calls to halt its illegal activity. That leaves no hope for compliance by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea with existing norms and prohibitions. Moreover, Pyongyang’s aggressive rhetoric is aimed at legitimizing such acts by blaming other States for raising the tensions in the region. That is absolutely unacceptable. Needless to say, the Council should use every instrument at its disposal to ensure the full implementation of its resolutions. At the same time, we cannot but recognize that we urgently need even more robust measures to respond comprehensively and effectively to the growing nuclear threat on the Korean peninsula. Ukraine remains ready for constructive work with all delegations on this issue in order to ensure positive changes in the current situation and to move closer to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

The latest nuclear test by North Korea represents, in our view, a grave and reckless provocation that violates successive Security Council resolutions. Our Minister for Foreign Affairs immediately condemned this act in the strongest terms. Since the early hours after the test, Prime Minister Gentiloni has been in close contact with our main European and international partners, confirming that Italy will continue to do its part for a firm and cohesive response at the international and the European Union levels to pressure Pyongyang to desist from its continued provocations. As our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alfano, stressed, by pursuing its nuclear and ballistic programmes, Pyongyang poses a clear threat to international peace and security and is increasingly and seriously challenging the global non-proliferation regime. North Korea is the only country, as was recalled, that has tested a nuclear device in the twenty-first century. Such a breach of the international moratorium on nuclear tests highlights once more the urgent need for the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Also following an initiative by the Italian presidency, this morning the leaders of the Group of Seven issued a statement urging the full implementation of Security Council resolutions, stating their readiness to adopt further measures to ensure that North Korea reverts to international legality and recalling the primary role of the Council to that end. We therefore express our full solidarity with the Governments of the region, as well as their peoples, who are directly affected by the consequences of Pyongyang’s irresponsible acts, and reaffirm that North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes are a global threat that concerns us all. The regime of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to systematically defy the authority of the Council and the will of the international community as a whole. Its latest nuclear test poses a new level of threat. It is imperative that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea immediately put a complete stop to the development of its missile and nuclear programmes in a verifiable and irreversible manner. While underlining the importance that Italy attaches to the continued unity of the Security Council on this matter, we believe that under the current circumstances a firm and determined response by the Council is the right course of action. Therefore, we encourage the Security Council to adopt further measures in response to the latest nuclear test. We will conduct our work constructively to that end, bearing in mind that sanctions must remain a tool that is part of a broader strategy aimed at a peaceful and long-term solution of the issue of the Korean peninsula and the region as a whole. In that vein, we are committed to ensuring, as we affirmed in resolution 2371 (2017), that the sanctions regime does not have a negative effect on the humanitarian situation in the country. Finally, as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), I will continue our efforts to ensure the entire United Nations membership’s comprehensive and further implementation of the sanctions regime. We will soon be organizing another briefing open to the whole membership on resolution 2371 (2017), and I hereby appeal to all Member States to attend it. An effective sanctions regime will continue to be essential to ensuring that the leadership of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea calculates the price of its challenge to the international community and comes back to the negotiating table for credible multilateral talks.

I would like to thank Mr. Feltman for his briefing. Just a few days after we last met to discuss the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (see S/PV.8034), we once again find ourselves called together to respond to Pyongyang’s provocative actions. Sweden condemns yesterday’s nuclear test in the strongest possible terms. It clearly represents a threat to international peace and security, an unacceptable provocation and a breach of the international obligations of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, in defiance of numerous Security Council resolutions. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s dangerous and destabilizing course of action further exacerbates its precarious humanitarian situation in another example of the regime’s determination to pursue its nuclear ambitions with utter disregard for the well-being of its own people. This latest action further raises the tensions in the region, already heightened as a result of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s actions in recent months. The potential for mistakes, misunderstandings and miscalculations is high. There is a pressing need for measures to reduce those tensions and to consider how the Council can facilitate a comprehensive solution to the situation. We renew our call to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to abandon the dangerous path it is pursuing, comply with its international obligations and take positive steps in line with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The Council must deliver a firm response and remain united in the face of the threat to peace that the actions of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea represent, not only to its neighbours and the region but to global non-proliferation generally. We are ready to explore new sanctions, but to have the desired effect, sanctions must be duly implemented. That is also a matter of credibility for the United Nations system. All countries have a duty to effectively implement the relevant sanctions in line with the Security Council’s resolutions. Yet the sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continue to be implemented inadequately and extremely inconsistently. All States Members of the United Nations must do their utmost in that regard. The Council should make full use of the tools at its disposal, and in that context, we look forward to the briefing on 11 September by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) and to discussing further measures to strengthen the implementation of the sanctions already in force. Sanctions alone, however, will not solve the situation on the Korean peninsula, and there can be no military solution to this tense situation. In the light of the continually growing tensions, we urgently need to avoid escalation and take steps to prepare for a peaceful, diplomatic and comprehensive solution to the problem. Intensified, creative diplomatic efforts are urgently needed. A medium-security mechanism should be a medium-term goal. The pursuit of weapons of mass destruction represents an extremely grave threat to international peace and security. Preventing the development and use of such weapons is one of the Council’s crucial responsibilities. Sweden stands united with Council members in condemning actions that jeopardize international peace and security.

We would like to thank Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for the information he has given us on the recent events that have led to the convening of this emergency meeting. Bolivia firmly and energetically condemns the underground nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 3 September. According to press reports, it was 10 times more powerful than that conducted in 2016, and 100 times more powerful than the country’s first nuclear test, in 2006. Based on its pacifist status, Bolivia rejects all nuclear tests, as well as the proliferation of nuclear weapons, in accordance with the various international treaties on the subject. We also reject the manufacture of such arms, in line with the ban on nuclear weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, better known as the Treaty of Tlatelolco, under which Latin America and the Caribbean became the world’s first nuclear-weapon-free zone, and we call for that example to be followed in other regions. We would like to echo the words of the Secretary- General on the subject when he said that “[t]his act is yet another serious breach of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s international obligations and undermines international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts.” We therefore urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic-missile programmes fully, verifiably and irreversibly, and to comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions. We also urge all the parties involved to avoid the increasing tensions and escalating rhetoric that are putting international peace and security in jeopardy, especially on the Korean peninsula, and especially to avoid any provocative or unilateral acts and any act that infringes international law or the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We urge them to halt this spiral into confrontation and threats of military force, including a nuclear response, which can only lead to a major catastrophe. Once again, we reiterate our welcome of, and support for, the Chinese initiative of dual restraint, which seeks to enable a simultaneous freeze on actions on the peninsula. We also support the efforts to revive a path to the resumption of negotiations. We emphasize the importance of compliance with the Charter’s provision that the Security Council is the sole body legally empowered to take measures needed to maintain or restore international peace and security and that any unilateral action is to be eschewed. In that regard, we reject unilateral sanctions, which not only constitute a flagrant violation of international law but also undermine the work of multilateral organizations such as ours and seek to impose one State’s jurisdiction and domestic legislation on another, in violation of the principles of the equality, sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. Sanctions are not an end in themselves, and there can be no military solution to the situation on the Korean peninsula. In that regard, we remind the parties involved of their duty to comply with paragraph 5 of General Assembly resolution 71/86, adopted on 5 December 2016, which reaffirms support for the Six- Party Talks, and in accordance with paragraph 27 of Security Council resolution 2371 (2017), which calls for the resumption of the Talks with the goal of achieving the peaceful and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Lastly, Bolivia reiterates its call to all the parties involved to reject the possibility of any kind of military solution or threat of the use of force and to resume a dialogue and negotiations aimed at a peaceful, diplomatic and political settlement that, we repeat, can ultimately lead to the Korean peninsula’s denuclearization.

We thank Mr. Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing on the latest North Korean nuclear test. The provocative nuclear missile activity by Pyongyang recently gained dangerous momentum. We are deeply troubled by the testing of a thermonuclear explosive device for an intercontinental ballistic missile, as announced by Pyongyang officials. There is no doubt that we are experiencing one of the gravest and most dramatic stages of developments on the Korean peninsula. It is no exaggeration to state that peace in the region is being sorely tested, and the threat of this conflict morphing into an active conflict is greater than ever. The latest blatant display of North Korea’s disregard of the relevant Security Council resolutions and the norms of international law warrants the most vehement condemnation. We cannot but regret the fact that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea leadership, through its action to undermine the global non-proliferation regime, is posing a grave threat to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and globally. The pursuit of such a policy is fraught with serious repercussions for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea itself. At the same time, it is evident to us that military solutions cannot settle the issues plaguing the North Korean peninsula. Given the unfolding situation, there is an urgent need to maintain a cool head and to refrain from any action that could further escalate tensions. We reaffirm the need for comprehensive and full compliance by all stakeholders with the relevant Security Council statements and resolutions, including the recent resolution 2371 (2017), adopted by concensus. Many today delved into the history of attempts to halt the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea nuclear and ballistic programme. That historical exploration only serves as evidence that we have failed to resolve this issue through Security Council resolutions that were geared only towards leveraging sanctions mechanisms. We call upon all stakeholders to immediately return to dialogue and negotiations, as that is the only way to comprehensively settle the issues besetting the Korean peninsula — including nuclear issues. We reaffirm our willingness to engage in concerted efforts along those lines, including in the context of the implementation of the Russian-Chinese road map. The Russian Federation calls on the international community to not yield to emotions and to act in a calm and balanced way. We once again stress that a comprehensive settlement to the nuclear and other issues plaguing the Korean peninsula can be arrived at solely through political and diplomatic channels, including by leveraging the mediation efforts of the Secretary-General.

The seriousness of the item under consideration notwithstanding, I would like to express my delegation’s congratulations to you, Mr. President, upon your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council, as well as to thank Egypt for carrying out its duties as President of the Council during the month of August. We also thank the delegations of the United States, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea for having convened this meeting. I would also like in particular to thank the Under-Secretary- General for Political Affairs, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, for his briefing  — which my delegation fully supports. Uruguay is gratified that an issue of this nature should be addressed today in an open meeting of the Security Council. We believe that goes a long way towards lending transparency to the Council’s working methods and helps optimize its operation. Uruguay expresses its most emphatic condemnation of the detonation of a nuclear weapon yesterday by North Korea  — the sixth such test it has carried out since 2006. The paradox is that the world is moving in a different direction when it comes to weapons of mass destruction and denuclearization. No one carries out such nuclear tests anymore — only North Korea — in flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions, with a clear confrontational stance and, what is worse, in utter contempt of the adverse effects those tests could have on its own territory, its own people and its neighbouring countries. Last week, on the International Day against Nuclear Tests, my delegation echoed the call of the international community for the swift entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Promoting the universality and entry into force of the Treaty must be a priority in addressing the danger that the carrying out of nuclear tests poses to the international community. We regret the obstinate behaviour of North Korea. As has been pointed out several times here in the Chamber, it is the only country that has carried out nuclear tests in the twenty-first century. Its actions are a serious threat to international peace and security and a flagrant violation of the resolutions of the Council. Those nuclear tests and the launching of ballistic missiles are a continuous provocation of the international community, and they exacerbate instability in the Korean peninsula and tension in the zone. As such, Uruguay once again urges North Korea to completely abandon its nuclear programme, in a verifiable and irreversible manner, and immediately halt all related activities, including the launching of ballistic missiles using proscribed technology and other provocative actions. We also urge it to return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s safeguards regime. We reiterate our call for strict compliance with the resolutions adopted by this organ. We must continue to develop actions and measures that are in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Our delegation is ready to consider the adoption of new and more robust sanctions in the Council. However, as has been pointed out here in the Chamber as well, it is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions by all Member States, while avoiding adverse humanitarian consequences for the people of North Korea. Uruguay is of the view that a solution to this delicate situation can come about only in the form of diplomacy, in the context of an international strategy to which all countries are firmly committed  — in particular those with influence in the Korean peninsula. As part of that process, it is crucial to safeguard the unity of the Security Council and to act with a single voice in search of a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

We would like to commend the delegation of Egypt for its very able presidency last month, as well as to congratulate our Ethiopian colleagues on taking up the proceedings of the Security Council. We thank the Ethiopian presidency for the prompt convening of this meeting of the Council. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing as well as the delegations of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan and the Republic of Korea for calling for today’s meeting on this most flagrant violation by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It is absolutely unacceptable for the international community to have to see the detonation of bombs by North Korea through the six nuclear tests it has undertaken in the twenty-first century. Such actions undermine the collective efforts of the international community to establish a nuclear-weapon-free world. It is even more frustrating to receive this news just as we have celebrated the International Day against Nuclear Tests. It should be noted that General Assembly resolution 64/35, establishing the International Day against Nuclear Tests, was unanimously adopted by all Member States, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The world once again calls on the North Korean regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions and return to the negotiating table. At the recent special meeting of the General Assembly, all participating Member States unanimously condemned the nuclear threat caused by Pyongyang’s provocative actions. We believe that in the light of today’s tensions, we have to continue tirelessly to seek mutually acceptable solutions, with a view to achieving concrete agreements — both bilateral and multilateral — on freezing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear programme and to initiate the step-by-step denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. No matter what the cost, we must not slide into fuelling the conflict, the consequences of which will be most hazardous not only for North Korea itself but also for regional and international security. The military approach has never led to any sustainable and lasting solution of the problem. Kazakhstan holds the firm conviction that nuclear weapons are not a true guarantor of national security. The global nuclear-weapon Powers and the international community have demonstrated that ensuring one’s own defence through the possession of weapons of mass destruction is not a viable strategy. As a country that has survived the horrors and tragedy of the consequences of nuclear testing, we firmly believe that nothing can justify conducting such inhuman acts. We stand in solidarity with the countries of the region as well as the entire world to find a comprehensive and collective solution to the situation. A new bold diplomatic and political plan, combined with smart and robust actions, is necessary if we are to avert the dangerous trend towards nuclear-weapon development on the Korean peninsula. We call on all member States to join in this effort. We strongly call on Pyongyang to change its course and think about a prosperous and non-nuclear future for itself and the region. We hope that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and others can learn from the very clear and undisputed example of Kazakhstan, which not only renounced its nuclear weapons but, together with its Central Asian neighbours, created a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Once again, we call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to heed the message of humankind and seek the path of prudence and dialogue.

Egypt vehemently condemns the nuclear test that was conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea early yesterday, 3 September, and, through our ongoing commitment to the importance of safeguarding the credibility of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, we stand by this position. There is a need to uphold the credibility of the Security Council itself. We reject any double standards in this regard and we are committed to setting an example in dealing conscientiously and strictly with any threat posed to the nuclear non-proliferation regime, regardless of any of the justifications that may be put forward. Egypt fully grasps the nature of the threats posed by North Korea in its violation of Security Council resolutions; these threats are a danger to international and regional peace and security, particularly in North-East Asia. Egypt calls on North Korea to immediately cease all violations and activities that are in breach of Security Council resolutions and urges it to refrain from any action that might further escalate tensions or jeopardize international and region stability and security. Egypt reaffirms its condemnation of all such violations. We also reaffirm our support for the Security Council assuming its responsibility in this regard. Egypt once again reiterates its call on all stakeholders to seek to find a peaceful settlement to the issues plaguing the Korean peninsula, craft a solution that eliminates all nuclear weapons, establish a lasting peace between the two Koreas and show restraint in line with provisions of Security Council resolutions aimed at safeguarding peace, stability and international security, with a view to breaking this very dangerous vicious cycle of ongoing violations of Security Council resolutions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In this context, Egypt once again welcomes any initiative or constructive idea that can lead to a denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and to a lasting peace in the region. I would like to conclude by once again voicing our great interest in safeguarding Security Council unity in dealing with a matter that is of concern to us all. In ensuring international unity, it is a sine qua non that the goals of the various measures adopted by the Council be attained.

I would first like to thank the American, British, French and Japanese delegations for calling for today’s emergency meeting of the Security Council. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, for having agreed to convene it so swiftly. I also offer thanks to the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Feltman, for having given us a clear and factual briefing. Once again, we find ourselves brought together following the latest in a long line of acts of defiance against the international community, in particular the Security Council, carried out by the authorities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, namely, the nuclear test carried out yesterday, Sunday, by Pyongyang, which stated publicly that it had successfully tested a thermonuclear hydrogen bomb of unprecedented power, which could be installed on its new intercontinental missiles. This sixth nuclear test by North Korea follows the two that were conducted last year and the tenth ballistic missile launch, which was carried out just last week. Together with the international community, Senegal strongly condemns in the strongest possible terms this attitude of defiance by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which are a yet another serious breach of its international obligations, undermines international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts and greatly heightens tensions and strategic instability in the Korean peninsula and even beyond. Once again, the credibility of the Security Council is put to the test. Despite all the Council’s resolutions, all sanctions and other measures taken against North Korea, the country’s authorities, far from having relinquished their military nuclear ambitions, are now going so far as to call into question the very authority of the Security Council to take up the problem posed by its illegal military nuclear programme. There is indeed a problem. What more must we do to make that country come to its senses and respect its international obligations in this area in a clear, irreversible and verifiable manner? But the Council must first remain united and firm in its condemnation of those actions and in its resolve to adopt the new necessary measures, in accordance with its prior resolutions, including the latest, resolution 2371 (2017). Each and every State Member of the United Nations must also implement the provisions of the many resolutions and sanctions imposed on North Korea, however complex they may be. In that regard, the regular briefings and special informational meetings convened by Italy, in its capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), concerning the implementation of sanctions, remain of great importance. In conclusion, and as we all agree that there can be no military solution, my country urges the authorities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to respect the resolutions of the Security Council, end its illegal military nuclear programme, refrain from threatening to use weapons of mass destruction against States Members of the United Nations, and return to the negotiating table in the framework of the Six-Party Talks, which it chose to abandon several years ago.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Ethiopia. We believe that the situation surrounding the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is becoming progressively more complex and increasingly fraught with incalculable danger, not only for the Korean peninsula but for global peace and security as a whole. The latest nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is indeed a dangerous escalation, with potentially catastrophic consequences. We join all Council members in condemning it in the strongest possible terms. This latest provocation by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea came only a few days after we adopted presidential statement S/PRST/2017/16, which calls on it to abandon all nuclear weapons and to immediately cease all related activities, while also underscoring the need for a peaceful diplomatic and political solution to the situation. There have indeed been overtures in that direction, but they have not been seized. Without any doubt, the recent nuclear tests by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea clearly indicate that we might be at the edge of a cliff. We agree with all Council members that we are in a very dangerous phase of this problem. We believe that the Council should use all means at its disposal to bring the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea back to the negotiating table, and we are open to proposals that could be considered in that regard. We hope that we will be able to take appropriate action to bring pressure to bear on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, while maintaining the unity of the Council on this very delicate issue, which has far-reaching implications for peace and security on the Korean peninsula and beyond. We attach extremely great importance to the unity of the Council on this matter. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this emergency meeting of the Security Council on North Korea’s sixth nuclear test, which was conducted this past Saturday. I am also grateful to be invited to take part in this important discussion. It is with a deep sense of disappointment, frustration and even anger that I address the Council today. One year ago, when North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test, the Security Council issued a stern warning that North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile provocation would not be tolerated (see S/PV.7821). Despite that warning, however, North Korea has since fired 20 ballistic missiles, on more than 15 occasions, in flagrant violation of multiple Security Council resolutions. While spending considerable amounts of time and energy in responding to such reckless ballistic missile provocations by North Korea, we held on to one last ray of hope that North Korea might, at least, refrain from additional nuclear tests. Regrettably, yet again, the country has chosen a dangerous path in defiance of the stern warning of the international community. The nuclear test conducted by North Korea two days ago has proven to be its most powerful thus far. Since the two intercontinental ballistic missile launches in July, which led to the adoption of resolution 2371 (2017) on 5 August, North Korea has been maximizing the level of threat and now claims that the purpose of the most recent test is to develop nuclear warheads to install on top of its intercontinental ballistic missiles. North Korea’s do-or-die behaviour has invited a very harsh and scathing reaction from the international community. Indeed, over the past two days, numerous States from around the world have spoken in a unified voice by issuing statements strongly condemning North Korea’s nuclear test. Even those countries that have been trying to be as sympathetic as possible vis-à-vis North Korea’s security concerns have added their own voice to such condemnations without exception this time. That is clear evidence that North Korea’s recent nuclear test is an immense challenge that threatens peace and security not only on the Korean peninsula or in North-East Asia, but in the entire world. Therefore, the Security Council must respond to this serious provocation with the adoption of a new draft resolution including much tougher measures corresponding to the magnitude and gravity of the test. Now is the time to take measures that are strong and robust enough to compel North Korea to seriously engage in dialogue. The new draft resolution must include not only additional measures to further block funds that could possibly flow into North Korea’s illegal weapons of mass destruction programme, but also truly biting and robust ones that Pyongyang would find very painful. Just five days ago, we celebrated the International Day against Nuclear Tests in an informal meeting of the General Assembly. A number of Member States gathered together to commemorate that special day and engaged in a very serious discussion. Virtually all the representatives of the participating Member States who took the floor during the meeting strongly condemned North Korea — the only country that has conducted nuclear tests in the twenty-first century — and called on the country to immediately halt further nuclear tests. But just a couple of days later, North Korea conducted yet another nuclear test. A voluntary moratorium on nuclear tests has become today a de facto international norm. Regrettably, however, the world has yet to be free from nuclear tests owing to a single country that continues to stubbornly pursue a retrogressive and destabilizing path. North Korea’s delusional aspiration of becoming a nuclear-weapon State is the sole reason for the existence of the International Day against Nuclear Tests. We must end that immediately, and I call upon all Member States, including the members of the Council, to take firm and decisive actions to that end. I also call on North Korea to stop pursuing the path of self- destruction and make a strategic decision without further delay to choose the path of denuclearization — the only option and right way to insure its survival. Whether to stick to its current path of self-destruction or redirect itself towards the path of survival is entirely the choice of North Korea.

The representative of the United States of America has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

Due to the urgency of the situation concerning the nuclear test, as well as the announcement by North Korea that it is planning another intercontinental ballistic missile test, we urge the Security Council to move very quickly on this. I think that North Korea basically has slapped everyone in the face in the international community that has asked it to stop. The United States delegation therefore will circulate a draft resolution that it would like to negotiate this week and vote on on Monday. I just wanted to let the members of the Council know. I know that some are going on mission to Addis Ababa, but we wanted to make sure that we will do that on Monday when we will be able to finalize those negotiations.