Spindelegger on North Korea: “An intentional breach of trust calls for a clear response“

Vienna, 13 April 2012 – Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger expressed his deep concern over the security policy implications caused by the launch of a North Korean rocket last night, allegedly with the aim of sending a satellite into orbit. According to Spindelegger, such a start represents a violation of the provisions of the United Nations Security Council, and has the potential of completely undoing the positive results achieved in recent talks between the USA and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “I condemn this rocket launch and resolutely urge North Korea to refrain from any other actions that would further worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula“, said the Foreign Minister.

Spindelegger: “This intentional breach of trust by North Korea demands a clear and united response from the international community. I expect that the UN Security Council will condemn North Korea accordingly. The multilateral negotiations aimed at securing peace and stability must continue unwaveringly. Prudence and diplomatic steps are the only means that can contribute to lessening tensions, which is in the interest of both the North and the South.“

North Korea had previously carried out two nuclear tests, one in 2006 and one in 2009. The nuclear test in 2009 had led to a condemnation of North Korea by the United Nations Security Council. Austria constantly undertakes efforts to convince North Korea to accede to the Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Moreover, the international community is demanding from North Korea to allow IAEA inspectors to enter the country for the first time since 2009, so as to verify whether the country actually complies with the uranium enrichment moratorium.

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