Statement by Ambassador Volodymyr YELCHENKO,
Chairman of the CTBTO
Preparatory Commission

The recent declaration by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea of the intention to conduct a nuclear test is most regrettable and causes serious concern. This development would have an adverse impact on the process of global nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and aggravate regional and international security. It is indeed disappointing that the aforementioned announcement has been made at the time when the international community marks the 10th Anniversary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty - the instrument which continues to play the crucial role in the prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. I call on the Government of Democratic People's Republic of Korea to sign and ratify the Treaty without delay. It should be recalled that in the Final Declaration of the 2005 Conference, convened pursuant to Article XIV of the Treaty, the States reaffirmed their overwhelming support for the Treaty and its early entry into force, as well as the determination to end all nuclear weapons testing. I urge the Government of Democratic People's Republic of Korea to adhere to the call to continue a moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions and other nuclear explosions and exercise in the future every restraint, in order to avoid steps that will have major international repercussions. It is also important to spare no effort with a view to achieving the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner and to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in north-east Asia. I express hope that this appeal will be heeded by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea with all earnestness and sincerity.

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