EU seriously concerned over recent developments in DPRK

Source: Xinhua | 04-18-2009 18:14

BRUSSELS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Friday expressed its "serious concern" over recent developments in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) concerning its nuclear issue, urging the country to reverse its decisions.

"The EU expresses its serious concern over the decision by the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to withdraw from the six-party talks, cease cooperation with the IAEA and restore its nuclear facilities," said a statement issued by the EU's Czech presidency.

"This contravenes the UNSC Resolution 1718 and overall efforts by the international community to help secure peace and stability on a future nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through the process of the six-party talks," said the statement.

In the statement, the EU called on the DPRK to reverse its decision to expel International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors as well as the decision to restore the nuclear facilities which have been disabled, to maintain its cooperation with the IAEA, to allow an early resumption of the six-party talks, and to take such steps as will facilitate lasting stability and the denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

The DPRK said on Tuesday it will withdraw from the six-party talks in response to a UN Security Council presidential statement on its rocket launch.

The council said in the statement adopted Monday that the launch is "in contravention of Security Council resolution 1718."

The council reiterated that the DPRK "must comply fully with its obligations" under resolution 1718, which was adopted in 2006,and demanded the country "not conduct any further launch."

Editor:Shi Taoyang