Russian mission to the UN calls on North Korea to stop missile launches

(Baonghean.vn) - Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya on August 29 called on North Korea to fully comply with Security Council resolutions.

Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya. Photo: TASS

Mr. Nebenzya stressed that North Korea's missile and nuclear programs must end, and all problems on the Korean Peninsula must be resolved through peaceful means.

“We reiterate that the DPRK’s nuclear and missile programs must be stopped without delay,” the Russian diplomat said after a closed-door meeting of the Security Council. “The ballistic missile launches pose a serious threat to maritime and air navigation in the region and endanger the lives of civilians, including Japanese citizens.”

“We call for full compliance with UN Security Council resolutions,” he continued. “Pyongyang should halt these programs and return to a non-proliferation state, comply with IAEA rules and accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention.”

“At the same time, Security Council members should seek a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the problems on the Korean Peninsula,” Nebenzya said. “The UN Security Council should seek to reduce tensions in the region. There is no other way.”

“We oppose missile launches, and we have repeatedly stated that attempts to resolve issues on the Korean Peninsula through sanctions and pressure are largely ineffective. This approach will not help us achieve the desired results. In addition, this approach will not allow us to enter into constructive dialogue with North Korea,” the Russian diplomat stressed.

There is no military solution to the problems on the Korean Peninsula, and the UN Security Council should emphasize this, he said, adding that additional unilateral sanctions against North Korea should be ruled out in addition to those already imposed by the Security Council.

Nebenzya also voiced support for the demilitarization of the Korean Peninsula and stressed “the urgent need to create an atmosphere of trust between countries in the region.”

Earlier on the morning of August 29, Pyongyang launched another ballistic missile that flew over the northeastern territory of Japan and likely landed in the Pacific Ocean about 1,180 km east of Cape Erimo, Hokkaido. According to the South Korean military, the missile has a range of 2,700 km, with a maximum altitude of up to 550 km.

Thu Giang

(According to TASS)