Ban regrets DPR Korea launch, calls for dialogue
5 April 2009 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed his regret that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has, against strong international appeals, proceeded with its planned launch, urging the resumption of diplomatic talks.
According to media reports, the East Asian nation launched a rocket this morning, and the Security Council will hold an emergency meeting this afternoon on the issue.
“Given the volatility in the region, as well as a stalemate in interaction among the concerned parties, such a launch is not conducive to efforts to promote dialogue, regional peace and stability,” Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.
He urged the DPRK to comply with Security Council resolutions, such as resolution 1718, which demanded that the country “not conduct any further nuclear test or launch of a ballistic missile,” following its claims to have conducted a nuclear test in October 2006.
The Secretary-General also appealed to all concerned countries to “focus on ways to build confidence and restore dialogue, including the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks,” referring to the discussions involving DPRK, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Russia and the United States.
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