26 May 2009
Media Statement

Labour condemns North Korean nuclear test

Labour Leader Phil Goff and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Chris Carter have described yesterday’s test of a nuclear weapon by North Korea as a provocative act which will do nothing to enhance security in East Asia or resolve tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Mr Goff said “This action flies in the face of international efforts to dialogue with the North Korean regime, and creates anxiety among North Korea’s neighbours. I endorse the comments of American President Barack Obama, who said that he would reach of his hands if they would unclench their fists. The New Zealand Government must now add its voice and strong support for international efforts to persuade North Korean to abandon its headlong and ultimately destructive programme of nuclear armament.”

Chris Carter said “North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme and its recent ballistic missile test have done nothing to enhance that country’s economic or social development. Such actions only further isolate Kim Jong-Il’s Government. Labour stands with the United Nations Security Council in its demands that North Korea stop these dangerous tests and begin to live up to its obligations under UN resolutions 1695 and 1718.”

Mr Carter said the Labour Party has a strong tradition of being a leader in opposing nuclear weapons and proliferation. “The Labour Opposition will work constructively with any actions that the New Zealand Government takes in support of the UN security mechanisms and the Six-Party Talks. The future of our planet is in jeopardy with the proliferation of nuclear weapons. We roundly condemn North Korea’s provocative action in staging this nuclear test.”

ENDS

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