[Title] Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yukio Takasu, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations At the Meeting of the Security Council On Non-proliferation/DPRK

Thank you, Mr. President.

Japan welcomes the adoption of a firm and strong resolution on the nuclear test by the DPRK. The resolution, 1874, represents the strong condemnation and the deep concern of the international community to this irresponsible act.

The nuclear test by the DPRK constitutes a grave threat to the national security of Japan, coupled with its ballistic missile technology. It is also a serious threat to international peace and security and undermines the NPT regime.

Above all, the nuclear test in defiance of the Security Council resolution is a serious challenge to the authority of the Council itself.

The nuclear test and launch of ballistic missile by the DPRK are totally unacceptable and require a strong reaction by the Council.

Therefore, it is significant that the Security Council adopted unanimously this important resolution, 1874, containing strong and effective measures. We are deeply grateful to the Council members for their understanding, flexibility and cooperation demonstrated in issuing this strong, unified message.

In our view, the following elements are particularly important in the resolution.

1. The Council condemns in the strongest terms the nuclear test by the DPRK on 25 May 2009.

2. The Council demands that the DPRK not conduct any nuclear test or any launch using ballistic missile technology.

3. The Council demands that the DPRK immediately comply fully with its obligations under resolution 1718 including ceasing all activities related to nuclear programs.

4. The Council takes additional measures to prevent the flow of arms and related materiel, goods as well as financial resources, contributing to WMD program and ballistic missile program, through arms embargo, cargo inspections, and financial measures. The Council also activates the 1718 Committee with the support of a panel of experts and directs the Committee to designate entities, goods and individuals within thirty days.

5. The Council underlines the importance of the DPRK responding to humanitarian concerns of the international community including the abduction issue. I would like to take this opportunity to urge the DPRK to take concrete measures towards the resolution of the abduction issue.

Mr. President,

We strongly hope that these measures the Council has taken now will induce the DPRK to change its course of action and comply with its obligations under relevant decisions of the Security Council. At the same time, I would like to stress that these measures are not intended to harm the innocent people of the DPRK.

For these measures to have intended effective impacts on the DPRK to change its behavior and abandon all its nuclear weapon program and ballistic missile program, it is essential for all Member States of the United Nations to take necessary actions to implement these measures fully and faithfully and cooperate with each other in effective implementation.

In parallel with these measures, we will seek to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue. We should make utmost diplomatic efforts to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through the Six-Party Talks.

It is the sincere hope of Japan that the DPRK make a decision to ensure its security through abandoning nuclear weapons and achieve prosperity of the people through cooperation with the international community.

We demand the DPRK, mindful of its obligations under the Charter of the UN, to heed the message contained in resolution 1874 just adopted and implement fully its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions and Presidential Statements.

We strongly urge the DPRK to return immediately to the Six-Party Talks without precondition, and make efforts towards full implementation of the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks.

Thank you, Mr. President.