Delivered by Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.

Please check against delivery.

Mr. President,

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing and welcome the participation of Japan and the Republic of Korea in today’s meeting.

Once again, we meet at a moment of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Over the past few days, the DPRK has continued its provocative and dangerous behavior by launching a further series of ballistic missiles, in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions. The reported launch of what is assessed to another intercontinental ballistic missile on 3 November could be the seventh such launch in 2022 alone. We must not look at these latest launches in isolation. The DPRK’s reckless and irresponsible behavior has continued, undeterred, for too long. The Security Council must not treat this situation as business as usual while the people of Japan, the Republic of Korea and the region live under the constant threat of imminent danger.

Now, more than ever, we must come together to address the threat posed by the DPRK.  

The DPRK must respect international law, particularly Security Council resolutions that prohibit it from ballistic missile launches and nuclear tests. We condemn these unlawful missile launches and any other actions that undermine the global non-proliferation architecture. We urge the DPRK to choose diplomacy and dialogue over provocation and escalation.

In this context, we remain deeply concerned by the DPRK’s apparent plans to conduct a nuclear test. We call on the DPRK to refrain from conducting further illegal tests, return to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, abandon all of its nuclear weapon and related missile programs, implement IAEA safeguards, and fulfil its denuclearization obligations.

Mr. President,

The Security Council must redouble its efforts to maintain peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and safeguard the global non-proliferation regime. While the Security Council’s sanctions have evidently not prevented the DPRK from developing its nuclear and ballistic capabilities, they have undoubtedly helped slow the pace of such development. We urge all Member States to uphold the 1718 sanctions regime and to take all reasonable measures to prevent the DPRK from continuing to evade sanctions. To this end, we are ready to work with all Council members and to address any concerns that may arise from measures action taken by the Council.

Mr. President,

The humanitarian situation of the people of North Korea remains deeply troubling. It is regrettable that the country’s very limited resources continue to be directed towards its military capabilities, rather than the urgent humanitarian and developmental needs of the North Korean people. We once again call on the DPRK to cooperate with the UN and the international community to alleviate the humanitarian situation of its people by facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid and allowing relief organizations and the UN Resident Coordinator to carry out their vital activities within the country.

Finally, the UAE believes that, in the face of the nuclear threat posed by the DPRK’s actions, the Security Council should not be idle. 

Thank you, Mr. President.