76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UNSC meeting on DPRK
Comment by Estonian DPR Mr Andre Lipand
October 28, New York
Estonia strongly condemns the reported test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile. It is deeply regretful that amid international efforts to continue dialogue, the DPRK chooses to conduct provocations and escalate the situation.
Given that the launches of the ballistic missiles are straightforwardly prohibited by the Security Council resolutions, and the level of threat they pose to the region and beyond, the Security Council needs to speak out and condemn these destabilising actions and that DPRK is actively upgrading its capabilities. The unity of the Council in this question is important to prevent the situation deteriorate even further.
It is also not the time to ease sanctions. Rather, the launches demonstrate the urgent need to tackle sanctions evasions. We strongly urge the DPRK to respond positively to the invitations to resume talks. Diplomatic engagement is and remains the only way to ensure peace and security on the Korean peninsula.