Korean UN Ambassador Strongly Condemns North Korea's Nuclear and Missile Tests... Urges Response to 'Bold Initiative'

[Source: UN]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Hwang Jun-guk, South Korea's Ambassador to the United Nations, strongly condemned North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations on the 4th (local time). He also urged a return to dialogue and called for support of the South Korean government's denuclearization roadmap, the 'Bold Initiative.'

In his keynote speech at the 1st Committee of the 77th UN General Assembly held at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, Ambassador Hwang stated, "South Korea strongly condemns in the strongest terms the continued nuclear and missile activities, which are blatant violations of the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions." The 1st Committee is responsible for disarmament and international security.

He pointed out that North Korea has launched a record-high 39 ballistic missiles this year, including an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) launch the day before, expressing concern that "North Korea now appears almost ready to conduct its 7th nuclear test."

He also urged, "We call on all UN member states, especially the Security Council members, to clearly deliver a stern message to North Korea to choose a different path," and urged North Korea to "immediately return to dialogue and respond positively to the 'Bold Initiative.'"

The speech came amid heightened tensions following North Korea's IRBM launch over Japanese airspace that day.

In response to Ambassador Hwang's speech, the North Korean Mission to the UN requested to speak, protesting that "the South Korea-US joint military exercises aim to overthrow the North Korean government" and said, "Do not engage with us." In turn, the South Korean Mission rebutted, stating, "All 39 ballistic missile launches by North Korea are violations of UNSC resolutions," and "The South Korea-US joint exercises are minimal defensive measures."

On the same day, Ambassador Hwang also strongly criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine as "a serious violation of the rules-based order and national sovereignty." Additionally, Ambassador Hwang declared, "South Korea pledges not to conduct 'destructive and direct ascent satellite interception' tests," joining the United States in April in committing not to conduct satellite interception tests.

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