Statement delivered by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at Security Council Briefing on Non-proliferation/Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank ASG Khiari for his briefing and welcome the participation of the Representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Japan in this meeting.
Guyana is deeply concerned that the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to launch intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) in violation of resolutions of the Security Council. 

These launches not only undermine the global non-proliferation regime but further exacerbate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Guyana condemns such violations and reiterates its call for all concerned parties to utilize the tools of diplomacy so that there can be progress in resolving the protracted tensions and in ensuring sustainable peace on the Peninsula. We urge the Government of the DPRK and all other stakeholders to act in good faith to resuscitate dialogue, which remains critical for deriving a political solution to the issue. 

Mr. President,

Guyana reiterates its belief that the only way to prevent the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is through their total elimination. We also reiterate our belief that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is key to achieving this objective and is critical for the furtherance of international peace and security. 

We urge the Government of the DPRK to return to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and to abandon its ballistic missile programme, along with all other existing weapons of mass destruction in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. 

Guyana stresses that divestment of the ballistic missile programme would free up resources for human development in the country. In this context, we urge the Government of the DPRK to prioritize the wellbeing of its citizens and pursue a peaceful path to development that fully aligns with its obligations as a UN Member State. We also wish to emphasize the need for all relevant parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue in addressing the mounting tensions and the security crisis on the Korean Peninsula. 

Mr. President,

Guyana once again stresses that the 1718 Sanctions Committee must maintain its mandate of overseeing the implementation of the measures outlined in Council resolutions related to the DPRK, despite the expiration of the mandate of its Panel of Experts. We urge all UN Member States to comply with and fully implement the relevant Council resolutions related to the DPRK. We also stress that a continuous flow of information on the implementation of the DPRK sanctions regime remains critical to the work of the 1718 Sanctions Committee in the execution of its mandate.

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

Finally, Mr. President, Guyana is also concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in the DPRK. We have taken note of the readiness of the UN’s humanitarian agency to address the needs of the vulnerable population in the country. In this regard, we encourage the Government of the DPRK to allow the return of the UN Country Team and the international community to the country. 

I thank you!