Remarks on North Korea

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
United Nations Stakeout

New York City
November 29, 2010

Reuters Soundbites

Ambassador Rice (Nov. 29): "Good afternoon. We’ve been discussing North Korea in the Security Council this morning and I’d like to make a brief statement on that.

"The recently reported nuclear activities by DPRK are clear violations of UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, and of the commitments made by North Korea under the 2005 joint statement. The U.S. strongly condemns these violations. The Security Council will now need to study carefully the recent revelations and determine the appropriate way forward. In the meantime, these developments underscore the need for all states to redouble their commitment to implementing the strong sanctions imposed in Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874.

"We also expect the Security Council’s DPRK sanctions committee and the UN panel of experts to intensify their important, ongoing efforts to tighten sanctions enforcement. Of course, our concerns about these nuclear activities have only been heightened by North Korea’s deadly, unprovoked attack last week on Yongp'yong, an island under UN command, control, and administered by South Korea. The United States strongly condemns this outrageous action by North Korea which resulted in four deaths – two South Korean marines and two civilians – and wounded 18 soldiers and civilians.

"We continue to call on North Korea to cease its irresponsible actions against its neighbors, to fully abide by the terms of the armistice, and to adhere to its international obligations. And we will continue to work with the international community to maintain peace and security in this region as we simultaneously confront the threat posed by North Korea’s ongoing nuclear activities.

"Happy to take a few questions.

"Well, we’re certainly in close consultations with China and other critical countries in the region. And obviously, we’ve looked to China to play a responsible leadership role in working to maintain peace and security in that region. It’s in China’s interest. It’s in the interest of the countries in the region, and we expect them to take steps that are consistent with their obligations and all of our obligations under UN Security Council resolutions, and to work, as we all must, to uphold them and implement them. Thank you."  Full Text»