Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned by the reported existence in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of a programme to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons, as announced by the U.S. State Department, following the recent DPRK-U.S. discussions in Pyongyang. If confirmed, the alleged programme would not be in conformity with the DPRK's international obligations, including under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It would also be contrary to international efforts to reduce and eliminate weapons of mass destruction.

The Secretary-General welcomes the consultations that have already begun among interested countries --- issues related to weapons of mass destruction must be accorded highest priority.