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South Korea Urges Swift Action on North Korea's Nuclear Threat

South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Jeong Yeon-doo, stressed the urgency of resolving the North Korean nuclear issue at the NPT conference in New York. He called North Korea's nuclear program the most pressing challenge to the nonproliferation regime, as it withdrew from the NPT and continued weapons development. Jeong urged Russia to halt illegal military cooperation with North Korea, violating UN Security Council resolutions. The envoy emphasized that returning to the NPT is the only path to security and prosperity for North Korea.

Key Points: South Korea Urges Action on North Korea Nuclear Threat

  • South Korean envoy calls North Korea's nukes most urgent nonproliferation challenge
  • Envoy urges Russia to cease illegal military cooperation with North Korea
  • NPT review conference assesses global implementation of treaty commitments
  • Only return to NPT can ensure security and prosperity for North Korea
2 min read

South Korean envoy calls North Korea's nukes 'most urgent' challenge to nonproliferation regime

South Korea's envoy calls North Korea's nukes the most urgent challenge to nonproliferation, urging Russia to halt military cooperation with Pyongyang.

"The DPRK is the only case that has benefited from the NPT regime, announced its withdrawal, and openly continued the development of nuclear weapons - Jeong Yeon-doo"

Seoul, April 28

South Korea's top nuclear envoy has stressed the need to swiftly resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, calling it the "most urgent" challenge to the nonproliferation regime, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Jeong Yeon-doo, vice foreign minister for diplomatic strategy and intelligence, made the remarks in a keynote speech during the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) conference held in New York on Monday (US time), according to the ministry.

"The DPRK is the only case that has benefited from the NPT regime, announced its withdrawal, and openly continued the development of nuclear weapons, thereby remaining the most pressing challenge to the nonproliferation regime," Jeong said.

Jeong further stated, "All countries committed to upholding the NPT regime must send a clear message that returning to the treaty is the only way to ensure security and prosperity." He added, "We urge Russia to halt its illegal military cooperation with North Korea, which violates UN Security Council resolutions, and to fulfill its responsibilities in safeguarding the global non-proliferation regime."

DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name.

Jeong called on the international community to send a clear message that only a return to the treaty can ensure security and prosperity.

The official also urged Russia "to cease its illegal military cooperation" with the North, which violates United Nations Security Council resolutions, and "to fulfill its responsibilities in safeguarding the global nonproliferation regime."

The NPT is a multilateral treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It entered into force in 1970, and South Korea joined the treaty in 1975, Yonhap news agency reported.

The review conference is held every five years to assess countries' implementation of their NPT commitments.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
South Korea is rightfully concerned. But does anyone remember India's own challenges with the NPT? We didn't sign it for good reasons, and now we see similar loopholes being exploited. The double standards of the nuclear haves are troubling. 😐
V
Vikram M
Russia's military cooperation with North Korea is indeed problematic. As a friend of Russia, India should use its diplomatic channels to gently nudge them back to the table. North Korea's nuclear program threatens not just the region but global peace. This needs urgent multilateral action, not just speeches.
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective from a Western country's point of view. But as someone from India, we know that nuclear issues are never simple. The NPT was flawed from the start - it created nuclear haves and have-nots. The focus should be on comprehensive denuclearization, not just pointing fingers at one nation.
R
Rohit P
While I sympathize with South Korea's concerns, the international community needs to reflect on why countries like North Korea feel driven to develop nukes. Sanctions alone won't work. India's experience shows that dialogue and engagement, along with security guarantees, are the way forward. Just my two paise.
K
Kavya N
The NPT needs serious reform. How can we expect North Korea to return when the treaty has failed to achieve its basic purpose? Nuclear powers themselves haven't disarmed. We need a new framework that addresses regional security concerns and doesn't rely on Cold War-era agreements. đŸ€”

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