Equipo Nizkor - S/2016/775 - Statement by the Government of the Republic of Korea on the fifth nuclear test of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

United Nations
Security Council

S/2016/775

Distr.: General
13 September 2016
Original: English

Letter dated 9 September 2016 from the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council

I have the honour to bring to the attention of the Security Council a statement by the Government of the Republic of Korea on the fifth nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on 9 September 2016 (see annex).

I would be grateful if you could have the present letter and its annex circulated as a document of the Security Council.

(Signed) Oh Joon
Permanent Representative

Annex to the letter dated 9 September 2016 from the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council

Statement by the Government of the Republic of Korea on the fifth nuclear test of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

1. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on 9 September 2016, in Punggye-ri, North Hamgyong Province.

2. Despite the clear warnings sent again by the international community at the Group of 20 Summit and the East Asia Summit, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has conducted another nuclear test in 2016, in flagrant violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. The Government of the Republic of Korea strongly condemns such a grave provocation, which must not be condoned.

3. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea regime is continuing its dangerous provocations, focusing solely on the advancement of its nuclear and missile capabilities while completely ignoring the poor human rights situation of its people and their livelihood. However, the regime must clearly realize that it has nothing to gain from such behaviour. The more reckless its provocations, the stronger the international sanctions against it and the more severe the diplomatic isolation it will face, leading to the collapse of its economy and eventual self-destruction.

4. The Government of the Republic of Korea again strongly calls upon the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to immediately abandon its nuclear weapons and missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. The Government of the Republic of Korea will continue to cooperate with the international community and make all necessary efforts to seek much tougher sanctions at the Security Council and at the bilateral level.

5. Furthermore, the Government of the Republic of Korea will maintain a posture of heightened readiness against any further provocation by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea which threatens the safety of the Republic of Korea and the lives of its people, and will demonstrate an unwavering response.

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13Sep16

Statement by the Government of the Republic of Korea on the fifth nuclear test of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea