United Nations – Security Council experts reached agreement late Thursday on a statement urging North Korea to cancel its planned nuclear test and return immediately to talks on scrapping its nuclear-weapons program, but the text needs final approval from council members.
Japan’s U.N. Ambassador Kenzo Oshima said a statement “most likely” would be approved and read this morning after capitals give final approval.
“There are some changes, new inputs from members, but basically the original draft that we presented for discussion – the thrust of it is maintained,” he said.
The original Japanese draft expresses “deep concern” over North Korea’s announcement Tuesday that it would conduct a nuclear test and urges the North not to carry it out.
It warns Pyongyang that a nuclear test would bring international condemnation, “jeopardize peace, stability and security in the region and beyond,” and lead to further unspecified council action.
The Japanese draft also urges North Korea to return immediately to six-party talks on its nuclear program and work toward implementation of a September 2005 agreement in which the North pledged to give up its nuclear program in exchange for aid and security guarantees.
The six-party talks involve the two Koreas, the United States, China, Japan and Russia.
North Korea has boycotted the six-nation talks for a year, angered by American financial restrictions imposed over the North’s alleged illegal activities such as money laundering and counterfeiting.
Oshima said still to be settled is whether the council will issue the text as a presidential statement or a press statement.
Presidential statements become part of the council’s official record, but press statements do not, though they reflect the council’s unanimous thinking.
While all council members view the possibility of a North Korea test with alarm, there were different views on how to approach Pyongyang’s announcement.
U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said the United States wanted “a strong response” from the Security Council, not just “a piece of paper.” But China, Russia and Japan indicated they wanted a more moderate initial response.
