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

Thank you very much Madam President, and thank you to USG Rosemary DiCarlo for your briefing. I want to say that I am also very happy to see our colleagues from the Republic of Korea and Japan around this table.

Madam President,

The situation on the Korean peninsula has momentous implications for international peace and security. The unity of purpose among Council members in addressing the situation has been decisive for the progress made so far. Continued unity in our approach to will be critical for achieving our common objective of complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.       

Madam President,

The Security Council must stand with the same unity in the implementation of the resolutions we have adopted. I want to make three brief points; on sanctions, on diplomatic efforts and on the humanitarian situation. 

First, we must effectively implement and uphold the sanctions on North Korea, until the demands of the resolutions are fully met. It is of great concern that wide-spread violations of the sanctions regime continue in a range of areas, including arms exports, petroleum trade and financial transactions. We call on all member states to fulfil their obligations and ensure full implementation. We have worked actively in the European Union to ensure that all countries have the necessary guidance and capacity.   

We commend the thorough work of the Netherlands and the tireless efforts of our dear colleague Karel van Oosterom as chair of the 1718-Committee. The important work of the Panel of experts should also be recognized, and we stress the need to respect its independence and impartiality. It is never acceptable that member states interfere with the work of the panel of experts, seeking to influence its findings and conclusions. This risk to seriously undermine the integrity of the UN independent panel reporting process. Any differences of views should instead be addressed through constructive discussions in the framework of the sanctions committee.

Secondly, diplomatic efforts and dialogue towards a peaceful solution should be encouraged, acknowledged and supported. We welcome the continued progress in the Inter-Korean dialogue, and looking forward the upcoming Summit tomorrow. The Inter-Korean family reunions is also a positive step forward, and we hope that further such reunions can take place soon.

The Summit between the United States and the DPRK in Singapore in June was very significant. Important now that both parties work to maintain momentum and take positive steps. DPRK should without delay translate their commitments into legally binding undertakings. Signing and ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty would be an important such step for DPRK to demonstrate its seriousness.

It’s also important also that the IAEA gets a role early in the verification of the denuclearization and disarmament process.

We welcome that the Secretary-General and the UN system stands ready to support these diplomatic efforts. Creative diplomacy will continue to be needed also in the next steps. 

Lastly, Madame President, on the humanitarian situation. There’s no doubt that the responsibility for the dire humanitarian situation in DPRK rests with the government. At the same time, there are continued concerns about reports of the adverse indirect impacts of sanctions on humanitarian aid delivery and humanitarian organizations’ ability to respond to lifesaving humanitarian needs. Enhanced efforts are needed to ensure that the humanitarian exemptions in our resolutions are effectively implemented.

I thank you very much.