DPRK: Statement During Briefing
Kenya's national statement, delivered by Ms. Jayne Toroitich, Political Coordinator
Thank you, Madam President. I thank ASG Khaled Khiari for the briefing and welcome the participation of the Republic of Korea and Japan.
Madam President, Kenya reiterates its deep concern over the steadily escalating situation in the Korean peninsula.
This year alone the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has carried out 14 test launches of missiles using the ballistic technology – a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
In addition, there have been disconcerting reports attributed to the DPRK state media, of a determination by the country to develop their nuclear weapons in the shortest time possible.
These incessant provocative acts are driving the region into an arms race with attendant destabilization effects and grave implications for global peace and security.
Madam President, given the obtaining situation, any miscalculation could plunge the Korean Peninsula into unspeakable turmoil. The resultant global socioeconomic and security repercussions would be too grave to contemplate, particularly for the global South.
In view of this, Kenya reiterates its call for the halting of any further provocative acts in the Korean Peninsula. We urge the DPRK to recommit to the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty, IAEA safeguards and relevant resolutions of the Security Council.
We reiterate that the only acceptable path is genuine dialogue without preconditions - dialogue that takes into consideration the concerns and perceptions of threat of all parties in the region. In this regard, Kenya urges the international community, particularly states with influence on both sides, to help restart diplomatic efforts.
Madam President,
It is disturbing that the provocations are happening against a backdrop of a deteriorating humanitarian situation, with the DPRK experiencing the second worst drought in 40 years. We encourage the DPRK to prioritise the needs of its people over militarization.
Meanwhile, all other concerned parties should spare a thought for the humanitarian plight of approximately 11 million DPRK citizens in need. They should endeavour to ensure that any actions they take do not unnecessarily worsen the suffering of innocent populations.
I thank you.