Statement by Sweden at the UN Security Council Briefing on Non-proliferation/DPRK

Thank you, Mr President, and I also thank Under Secretary-General Feltman for his briefing.

Sweden condemns yesterday's intercontinental ballistic missile test in the strongest terms. It constitutes a clear threat to international peace and security, an unacceptable provocation and a clear breach of the DPRK's international obligations, in defiance of numerous Security Council Resolutions. DPRK's actions represent a threat, not only to its own region, but for all regions.

We once again urge the DPRK to heed this Council's decisions that it cease provocations, fulfil its international obligations, engage in meaningful dialogue, and abandon its nuclear- and missile programmes and in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner and return to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the IAEA safeguards.

Sweden fully supports the relevant resolutions adopted unanimously by this Council in relation to the DPRK. It is important that the Council remains united and that the Security Council resolutions are implemented by all countries so as to ensure their full effect.

Sanctions alone will not resolve the situation on the Korean Peninsula. We need to pave the way for a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution. Therefore, in parallel to effectively and rigorously implementing the sanctions regime, we must urgently undertake "further work to reduce tensions so as to advance the prospects for a comprehensive settlement".

Mr President,

Turning now to the report of the 1718 Sanctions Committee, I would like to thank Ambassador Cardi and his team for the excellent work as the chair of this committee.

The committee has a critical role in effectively implementing the resolutions adopted by this Council in order for them to have the desired effect. The committee and its Panel of Experts should continue its outreach to member states on sanctions implementation, as well as to support their capacity building efforts. Some further efforts are underway. More can be done, and we look forward to continue discussions on how to enhance the effectiveness of restrictive measures.

The responsibility to protect and uphold the wellbeing of its people indisputably falls on the government of DPRK. Yet, while the DPRK regime diverts critical resources into expensive weapons programmes, its people continue to suffer from serious human rights violations and a grave humanitarian situation.

The humanitarian situation remains of serious concern. The measures adopted by the Security Council were never intended to have negative effects on the humanitarian assistance. Therefore, recent reports that sanctions are having adverse consequences on the humanitarian situation, and on humanitarian organizations' ability to respond to urgent needs, are deeply concerning.

These challenges need to be addressed and humanitarian principles need to be adhered to. In this regard, we look forward to discussions in the Committee, with input from the Panel of Experts and relevant UN bodies, on how to ensure that resolutions are implemented as intended, while at the same time ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need of assistance.

Thank you.