Statement by Minister Flanagan on North Korean long range rocket launch

Minster Flanagan condemns North Korean long range rocket launch

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., has expressed Ireland's condemnation of this morning's launch by North Korea of a long-range rocket, widely believed to be a test for ballistic missile technology which is banned under UN Security Council resolutions. This follows a fourth nuclear test conducted by North Korea on 6th January.

The Minister said:

"The launch using ballistic missile technology conducted earlier today by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a serious and direct threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond. It is a flagrant violation of North Korea's international obligations as set out in several UN security Council resolutions. I condemn these actions unequivocally and once more call on the DPRK to refrain from any action that could further increase tension or destabilize the region and to comply fully with its international obligations. These irresponsible actions demonstrate once again the urgent need for engagement on nuclear disarmament by all stakeholders. I urge the North Korean authorities to cease all nuclear testing and to re-engage with the Six Party Talks on the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, immediately and without preconditions".

ENDS

Press Office

7 February 2016