Statement delivered by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Chargé d'Affaires, Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing on Non-proliferation/Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank ASG Khiari for his briefing and have listened carefully to the presentation by Mr. Byrne. I welcome the participation of the Representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Japan in this meeting.

Mr. President,

Guyana remains concerned about the continued launching of ballistic missiles and the ongoing nuclear expansion programme by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions. These actions not only aggravate the already tense situation on the Korean Peninsula but also weaken the global non-proliferation regime.

Guyana condemns these ongoing violations and calls upon the Government of the DPRK to comply with its obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions. We also call upon the Government of the DPRK and all other concerned parties to act in good faith, to engage in diplomacy and to resuscitate dialogue.

Guyana reiterates the need for all relevant parties to exercise restraint and avoid exacerbating the already heightened tensions and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. We firmly believe that with strong political will, progress towards a peaceful and sustainable solution is possible.

We underscore the importance of the universalization of the Non- Proliferation Treaty, and urge the Government of the DPRK to return to the Treaty and to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to re-establish its presence in the country.

This is critical for confidence building and ensuring the credible verification of the nuclear facilities in the DPRK, as well as strengthening the non-proliferation regime.

Guyana also underscores the need for divestment of the ballistic missile programme while simultaneously prioritizing human development in the country. In this context, we remain concerned about the dire humanitarian situation and encourage the Government of the DPRK to allow the return of the UN Country Team and the international community to the country. We reiterate our support for the 1718 Sanctions Committee’s humanitarian exemption mechanism in facilitating humanitarian assistance to the population in the DPRK.

Guyana once again emphasizes that the 1718 Sanctions Committee must maintain its mandate of overseeing the implementation of the measures outlined in Council resolutions related to the DPRK.

We urge all UN Member States to comply with and fully implement the relevant Council resolutions related to the DPRK. In the absence of the Committee’s Panel of Experts, we stress that a continuous flow of information on the implementation of the DPRK sanctions regime remains critical to the work of the Committee. We also express support for the re-instatement of the Panel of Experts and commit to engaging with fellow Council members in this regard.

Finally, Mr. President,

Guyana reiterates its belief that the only guarantee against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is through their total elimination. Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is critical to achieving this objective and for promoting international peace and security.

Guyana reaffirms its commitment to advancing the global non- proliferation and disarmament agenda and calls on States that have not yet done so, to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). We also reaffirm our commitment to the Council’s efforts to bring about full compliance with its resolutions related to the DPRK.

I thank you.