October 30, 2024
Madam President,
I would like to thank Mr. Jenča for his briefing.
France became aware of the statements referring the deployment of North Korean troops in Russia.
This would be a further escalation of North Korean support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The participation of North Korean soldiers in a war against a sovereign state would be a violation of international law, Security Council resolutions and the UN Charter. It would be a hostile act with direct consequences for European security, international peace and security, and it would only increase the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
North Korea was already complicit, through its massive military support for the Russian war effort. Russia’s purchase and proven use of North Korean missiles was already in flagrant violation of resolutions adopted by this Council, which Russia itself supported. North Korean-manufactured ballistic missiles were used to strike Ukraine, as in Kharkiv last January, and in documented cases in July and August. France condemns these serious acts.
Madam President,
In return for military support, Russia has become a purveyor of impunity and assistance to North Korea’s illegal weapons of mass destruction programs. This represents an increasingly obvious threat to international security.
Last March, Russia alone vetoed the renewal of the 1718 Committee’s group of experts, which had been renewed by consensus for 15 years. It thus deprived all member states of an essential source of information on the implementation of our Council’s resolutions. In pursuing its illegal war, Russia is attempting to undermine the international non-proliferation regime, an essential element of international security.
The increase in North Korean military support also reflects the weakness of Russia, which is seeking by every means possible – with North Korea, with Iran – to pursue its aggression, with deleterious consequences for the entire international community.
Russia alone chose to start this war, and is responsible for this human tragedy. Although it could put an end to the war without jeopardizing its own security, it persists in pursuing it and continues to choose escalation. To support its war effort, Russia has chosen to engage in military cooperation that infringes international rules and its own commitments, endangers non-proliferation norms, and undermines its credibility as a permanent member of this Council. It is quite clear that Russia does not seek peace, but rather the capitulation of the aggressed. Under no circumstances can this be the basis for a just and lasting peace, which alone will restore security and stability once and for all. And no one can allow Russia to undermine the foundations of international order.
We once again call on Russia to put an end to its war of aggression, and we urge Russia and North Korea to comply with their international obligations, in particular with the resolutions of this Council.
Thank you.