76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council AOB meeting on DPRK
Delivered by DPR Andre Lipand
October 1, New York
In September alone the DPRK has launched already four missile tests – the latest one this morning – and each time we have seen the expansion and upgrading of the regime’s weapons arsenal. The ballistic missile launch that took place on Tuesday morning is said to be a new type of hypersonic missile. The one this morning is reported as a new anti-aircraft missile. Earlier this month we saw testing of a new type of cruise missile and train-launched ballistic missiles.
The regime is clearly committed to advancing its weapons technology and upgrading its capabilities in line with its announced 5-year plan, including by developing missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
Estonia finds these developments deeply concerning.
We emphasise again that the launches of ballistic missiles by the DPRK are in clear violation of the Security Council resolutions. The level of threat they pose to its neighbours and globally, should be taken very seriously.
It is important that the Council, in a united manner, condemned these violations, called the DPRK to end its destabilising activities and give up its nuclear program. It is also vital that the Council emphasised the importance of full implementation of sanctions.
We remain convinced that diplomatic engagement is the only way to ensure peace and security on the Korean peninsula. We appreciate the respective efforts by the United States and the Republic of Korea and urge the DPRK to respond to their approaches in good faith.