

MEDIA RELEASE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALEXANDER DOWNER FA11           12  February  2003





UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER NORTH KOREA’S   NUCLEAR NON-COMPLIANCE

I welcome the decision to report North Korea’s failure to comply with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations to the United Nations Security Council.

The decision was taken overnight by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic  Energy Agency in Vienna.

Addressing North Korea’s non-compliance with nuclear safeguards under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty demands the highest international attention.

As a threat to international peace and security, this issue falls squarely within the Security  Council’s responsibilities.

I am disappointed that North Korea did not take the opportunity offered by the IAEA’s Board  of Governors last month to fulfil its nuclear safeguards obligations.

North Korea instead exacerbated deep international concern about its nuclear intentions by  announcing its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

As one of 35 members of the IAEA Board of Governors, Australia supported the decision to  report this issue to the Security Council.

The decision sends a further strong message that North Korea’s failure to comply with its  nuclear non-proliferation obligations will be met by firm international resolve.

Once again, I strongly urge North Korea to step back from the path it is taking.

Australia is committed to working with other countries to resolve this issue diplomatically  and will continue its efforts to find a way forward.



Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 62777500 mob 0419 206 890      Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555







Media releases and speeches are available from DFAT via the internet.      http://www.dfat.gov.au/

