Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - North Korean Nuclear Weapons Production.

Godfrey Timmins

Question:

62 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise, at, the United Nations, the unilateral declaration by North Korea that they intend to continue to develop and manufacture nuclear bombs and weapons.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Government are gravely concerned at the announcement by North Korea of its intention to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We believe that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the most important instrument for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and that it should be adhered to by all states. North Korea's action threatens to undermine the Treaty as well as raise questions about its intentions with regard to developing nuclear weapons.

Article Ten of the Treaty provides for the withdrawal of States Parties if they decide that extraordinary events, related to the subject matter of the Treaty, have jeopardised their supreme interests. However, we do not accept that the reasons given by North Korea are sufficient to justify the action they have taken.

Acting on behalf of the European Community and its member states, the Danish Presidency has made known the views of the Twelve to the North Korean authorities and has called on them to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the Treaty. We will also be discussing with our European partners what further steps we can take to persuade North Korea to remain an adherent to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.