IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda Item 5a: Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
16 November 2022
Statement by H.E Mr Richard Sadleir, 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 aggressive and destabilising actions in support of its illicit and dangerous nuclear weapons program.
The DPRK’s reckless and unacceptable conduct, in particular its unprecedented spate of ballistic missile launches in contravention of multiple Security Council resolutions, continues to challenge the global non-proliferation regime and threatens security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Australia was particularly appalled by recent missile launches that landed south of the Northern Limit Line near the Republic of Korea’s coastline, and one that overflew Japan.
These actions represent an alarming escalation in the DPRK’s repeated violation of UN Security Council resolutions. The DPRK must comply with UN Security Council resolutions requiring it to abandon its nuclear, other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.
Chair
Australia is deeply concerned by indications of the DPRK’s activities to prepare its Punggye-ri site for a seventh nuclear test. Australia again urges the DPRK to refrain from conducting further nuclear tests. The DPRK should, instead, make a positive contribution to international security and the global non-proliferation and disarmament regime by signing and ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty without further delay.
Chair
We again emphasise that the DPRK’s actions cannot be normalised or downplayed. The DPRK’s actions call for a strong and united response by the international community. We must maintain our resolve in the face of the DPRK’s illegal and destabilising actions. UN Security Council sanctions against the DPRK should be implemented to the fullest extent possible.
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 commends the DG and the IAEA for maintaining and enhancing its readiness to return to the DPRK.
Thank you, Chair.