Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Saša Jurečko at the briefing on non-proliferation/Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Thank you Madam President,

I would like to thank USG DiCarlo and Mr. Leff for their valuable contributions.

Madam President,

My country is deeply concerned with the expansion of military engagements of the DPRK, especially its military cooperation with Russia. This represents an escalation of Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine.

Firstly, evidence on arms transfers cropped up. Millions of artillery shells and numerous missiles were reportedly transferred to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. Secondly, evidence emerged of DPRK troops presence in Europe. And what is more, the latest reports indicate that they are now actively involved in this war.

These developments represent blatant violations of UN Security Council resolutions and heavily imply that Russia is willing to undermine the Council and the UN to achieve short-term military advantages.

At the same time, the North Korean leadership is immensely profiting from this rekindling of cooperation. With no considerations being given to international law, the Charter or Security Council resolutions, there are indications that the DPRK is acquiring new armaments and military technology from Russia. In addition to this, comes a deeply troubling statement by Foreign Minister Lavrov, who publicly said that Russia viewed the notion of “denuclearising North Korea” as a “closed matter”.

Slovenia is deeply concerned that as a consequence of these developments, the DPRK leadership will be able to further sustain its illegal ballistic, nuclear and other WMD programmes to the detriment of its own civilian population.

Madam President,

The DPRK no longer represents only a regional challenge, but is destabilising two parts of the world at the same time. It is high time for the DPRK to cease its provocative activities and return to dialogue and diplomacy. At the same time, Russia must discontinue its illegal support to DPRK.

We need to employ all diplomatic means to bring the DPRK back to the negotiating table. There is no legitimate alternative to dialogue and diplomacy. And we will need a lot of both to comprehensively address the imperative of DPRK’s denuclearisation.

I thank you Madam President.

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