[Title] Statement by H.E. Mr. Kenzo Oshima, Permanent Representative of Japan At the Meeting of the Security Council

1. I shall now take the floor in my capacity as the representative of Japan.

2. Japan welcomes the resolution just adopted as one of the most important decisions this Council has taken in recent times, on an issue of the gravest concern to the international community. It was essential that such an important decision be taken by a unanimous vote, and this is a welcome outcome.

3. The resolution strongly condemns the irresponsible act on the part of the DPRK, which announced its intention and then proceeded to conduct a nuclear test in total defiance of the calls to refrain from doing so by all its immediate neighbors and indeed by the entire world. This is unacceptable behavior, which deserved to be met not only with strong admonishment but also with necessary measures prescribed in Chapter VII of the Charter.

4. In the circumstances, the Security Council acted in the discharge of its responsibilities by responding to this grave situation created by DPRK, swiftly and in unity. This we also welcome.

5. The situation created by the DPRK on the Korean Peninsula has caused widespread and deep concern in East Asia and beyond. The danger presented by Pyongyang's total disregard of the regime of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is clear and present. Last July, when DPRK resorted to the launching of ballistic missiles, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1695, condemning the action. Responding to the DPRK's announcement of an impending nuclear test, the international community unequivocally urged the DPRK to exercise maximum restraint, including through the issuance of a strong presidential statement by the Security Council advising the DPRK not to go forward with the test. Only two days after the call from the Security Council, however, the DPRK claimed that it had conducted a nuclear test. The combination of ballistic missile capability and now, the claim of nuclear capability, in the hands of a regime with a known and proven record of reckless and irresponsible acts and behavior, including as a proliferator, creates a situation which is nothing less than a grave threat to peace and security.

6. Japan also regrets that the DPRK's actions are in contravention of the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks and several other agreements to which the DPRK has committed itself.

7. Japan expects, along with other concerned countries in the region and beyond, that the DPRK will act as a responsible member of the United Nations, by implementing this and other relevant Security Council resolutions and decisions, including resolution 1695, in good faith, and sincerely addressing the voices of concern raised by the international community. At the same time, it is important to note that the security issue is not the only point of contention between the DPRK and the international community. This resolution underlines the importance of the DPRK to respond to humanitarian concerns of the international community which naturally includes the abduction issue. We demand the DPRK to resolve this issue as early as possible.

8. Prior to the adoption of this resolution, on 11 October 2006, my government announced that it would take a set of national measures in a strong protest against the claimed nuclear test, recognizing the need to take firm measures in response to such an action. These measures included:

a) Denial of permission to enter Japanese ports to all DPRK vessels;

b) Denial of import of all items from the DPRK;

c) Denial in principle of entry by DPRK nationals into Japanese territory.

9. Japan will also implement in good faith the measures which the Member States are obligated to take under this resolution. We urge other Member States to swiftly implement the resolution's provisions as well.

10. This resolution contains strong measures, but sanctions are not invoked for the sake of sanctions. The goal of this resolution is to remove the threat to international peace and security by ensuring the discontinuation of the DPRK's nuclear testing and ballistic missile launchings as well as the abandonment of its nuclear and missile programmes. It is up to the DPRK whether this opportunity will be seized and utilized. Japan wishes to stress that the DPRK's compliance with this resolution and addressing of the concerns of the international community will open the way for the Security Council to consider actions for the benefits of the DPRK as made clear in paragraph 15 of the resolution. Japan has not closed the door on dialogue, and urges the DPRK to respond sincerely for a diplomatic solution to the issues outstanding between the two countries.