August 25, 2023
I thank you, Madam President.
Let me begin by thanking ASG Khaled Khiari for his helpful briefing to the Council. We welcome the participation of the representatives of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea, and look forward to their statements.
Madam President
Consistent with Ghana’s position on the nuclear weapons and ballistic technologies programmes of the DPRK, we strongly deplore the second attempted launch of a military satellite by the DPRK’s in three months. The launch, which involved technologies related to the ICBMs programme, violates multiple Security Council resolutions banning any launch using ballistic technologies. We call on the DPRK to abate its long-term ambitions for nuclear weapon capability and embrace the international community’s call as well as the unconditional offer of the United States for dialogue in resolving the interconnected concerns of the dispute relating to the Korean Peninsula. In the meantime, we strongly urge the DPRK to refrain from further launches using ballistic missile technology and to comply with its international obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions. The envisaged and acceptable solution to the problems on the Korean Peninsula cannot include a State with nuclear capabilities nor the possibility of there being a nuclear arms race in the region.
Madam President,
We therefore underscore the need for the resumption of constructive and credible dialogue between concerned parties and the DPRK to find an enduring, comprehensive, and peaceful solution to the issues on the Korean Peninsula and in a manner that recognises the regional and global security concerns, as well as those of the parties. We have a responsibility to steer the region away from the path of catastrophe and preserve the peace and lives on the Peninsula. As a founding member of the non-aligned movement, it is Ghana’s hope that the resolution of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, would contribute to a nuclear weapons-free world.
I thank you for your attention.