IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 7(b): Application of safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
12 September 2023
Statement by Mr Jarrod Powell, Alternate Resident Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Thank you, Chair.
Australia continues to condemn 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 continued advancement of its illegal nuclear weapons programme, including long-range missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons, threatens all countries.
Australia continues to be appalled by the DPRK’s reckless and unacceptable ICBM and other missile launches.
Noting recent announcements by the DPRK, we condemn in the strongest terms its efforts to launch a nuclear-armed submarine.
Australia remains deeply concerned by indications of the DPRK’s activities to prepare for a seventh nuclear test, including the maintenance of the Punggye-ri site, since the Board last met.
DPRK’s actions pose a grave threat to international peace and security, and a serious challenge to international non-proliferation efforts.
These irresponsible actions must stop. They are 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 once again calls on the DPRK to refrain from conducting further nuclear explosive tests, 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 fully by all countries.
Twenty years after the DPRK’s purported withdrawal from the NPT, we urge the DPRK to cease provocations, reverse course, and 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.
Finally Chair,
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.
Thank you, Chair.