IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda Item 6(c): Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
6 June 2023
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Governor and Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Chair
Australia once again condemns in the strongest terms the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s ongoing pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and delivery systems. The DPRK’s actions pose a grave threat to international peace and security, and a serious challenge to international non-proliferation efforts.
Australia continues to be appalled by the DPRK’s reckless and unacceptable missile launches. Since this Board last met on 8 March, the DPRK has carried out a further fourteen ballistic missile launches. Just last week, the DPRK attempted another launch using ballistic missile technology.
These irresponsible actions must not continue. They pose a danger to the region and constitute a further violation of UN Security Council resolutions. This Board must be unified in its demand that the DPRK comply with all UN Security Council resolutions requiring it to abandon its nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.
Australia thanks the Agency for maintaining its preparedness to play an essential role in verifying the DPRK’s nuclear programme and commends its activities to enhance and maintain this capability.
Chair
Australia remains deeply concerned by indications of the DPRK’s activities to support a seventh nuclear test. Australia once again calls on the DPRK to refrain from conducting further nuclear explosive tests. We urge the DPRK to reverse course, and to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty without further delay.
Chair
The DPRK’s actions cannot be normalised or downplayed. The DPRK’s illegal and destabilising actions call for a strong and united response by the international community. UN Security Council sanctions against the DPRK should be implemented to the fullest extent possible by all countries.
Finally Chair
We urge the DPRK to cease provocations, make a sustained commitment to diplomacy and return to full compliance with IAEA safeguards and the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon state, allowing the return of IAEA inspectors.
Australia, again, commends the DG and the IAEA for remaining seized of this matter.
Thank you, Chair.