G8 summit issues joint statement on North Korea and Syria

Regarding North Korea, the G8 Foreign Ministers urged the country to "exercise restraint" to avoid further actions that cause tension.

On April 11, the Group of Eight (G8) Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement clarifying their stance on the issues of North Korea and Syria. The statement was issued after two days of meetings in London, the UK.

The G-8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded on April 11 in the UK after two days of meetings. (Photo: AP)

On the issue of North Korea, the G8 foreign ministers urged North Korea to "exercise restraint" to avoid further actions that raise tensions. The statement warned that the G8 countries would strengthen sanctions if Pyongyang continued to conduct further nuclear tests and missile launches, saying that North Korea's use of "excessive" language would only further isolate the country from the international community.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, British Foreign Secretary William Hague emphasized: "According to the conclusions reached at the meeting, we strongly condemn the continued development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs by North Korea. In addition, we should respond to North Korea's threats with a united, calm and firm attitude."

Regarding the conflict in Syria, the G8 Foreign Ministers expressed concern that the death toll in Syria has risen to more than 70,000 people, not to mention millions of refugees.

The G8 statement urged all countries to maximize aid efforts for the Syrian people, and reaffirmed support for UN-Arab League special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi in his efforts to seek a political transition in Syria to help end the conflict that has dragged on for three years.

The G8 Foreign Ministers also urged relevant parties to respect the basic rights of the Syrian people, warning that any party using chemical weapons will face appropriate punishment from the international community./.

According to VOV - DT