Comment by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Concerning North Korea's withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Comment by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Concerning North Korea's withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

[Place]

[Date] January 10, 2003

[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet

[Notes] Provisional Translation

[Full text]

It is deeply regrettable that North Korea has declared its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We are gravely concerned.

Japan strongly urges North Korea to withdraw this decision immediately. To this end, we will work closely with the United States and the Republic of Korea, and co-operate with other concerned countries and the IAEA.

At the meeting with President Putin, I intend to discuss, among other issues, this matter thoroughly with the President.