Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
38. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that North Korea's recent nuclear test is likely to result in the imposition of new or tightened sanctions by the international community; and if he has discussed the issue with his EU counterparts. [8854/13]
View answer49. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in relation to the recent nuclear weapons tests by North Korea, he proposes to have the matter discussed at the next EU foreign affairs council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8918/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 49 together.
I issued a statement on 12 February condemning in the strongest possible terms the decision by the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea to test a nuclear explosive device earlier that day. This action directly threatens peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and is a clear violation of North Korea’s international obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions 1718, 1874 and 2087. It has been the position of successive Irish Governments that nuclear weapons have never and will never guarantee the security of any nation. The existence of these weapons threatens security. Following this test, the international community has been united in its strong disapproval of this action. There has been strong condemnation to this effect by the EU, the US and China. The UN Security Council has also strongly condemned the test. The members of the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2087 on 22 January which expressed the Council's determination to take significant action in the event of a further test. In line with this commitment, following this latest nuclear test, the members of the Security Council have begun work on appropriate measures in a Security Council resolution. The EU Foreign Affairs Council of 18 February agreed unanimously that additional restrictive measures be taken against North Korea. Together with my EU colleagues, I agreed to further strengthen sanctions against North Korea by adopting EU autonomous measures which are in addition to those contained in Resolution 2087. These further measures in particular concern trade in conventional weapons involving North Korea and in relation to the export to North Korea of certain key components for ballistic usage. At the Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland together with our EU partners further called on North Korea to re-engage constructively with the international community, in particular with the members of the Six-Party Talks, and to work towards lasting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The EU stands ready to continue to work with its partners in support of these objectives.
