Brussels, 31/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 28 March, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said she was “deeply concerned about the destabilising actions undertaken by DPRK (Ed: North Korea) on 26th March 2014, following the rocket launches over the course of the last three weeks” and urged North Korea to stick to its commitments. The rockets travelled 650 kilometres before falling in the sea near Japan: “This week's missile firings represent a clear violation of the DPRK's international obligations as set out in particular under UN Security Council Resolution 1718 and 1874”, stated Ashton in a press release.
“The High Representative calls upon the DPRK to comply fully, unconditionally and without delay with its obligations under relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, its IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement under the NPT, and its commitments towards denuclearisation under the 2005 Joint Statement of the Six Party Talks. She also urges DPRK to refrain from any action that could further increase regional tensions”. Short-range rocket and missile launches have taken place over the past three weeks.
Ashton's spokesman said that the EU was “ready to continue working with its international partners, with a view to contributing to the pursuit of lasting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula”.
On Monday 31 March, tension was still rising, with the exchange of rocket fire along the maritime borders between North and South Korea. (CG)