Press release

North Korea Ambassador summoned over missile technology launch

Hugo Swire today summoned the North Korean Ambassador following a launch using ballistic missile technology on 7 February.

Minister of State for Asia, Hugo Swire

Asia Minister Hugo Swire today summoned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) Ambassador in London, Mr Hyon Hak Bong, to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following a launch using ballistic missile technology on 7 February.

Mr Swire made clear the test was a deliberate violation of a number of UN Security Council Resolutions.

Following the meeting, Asia Minister Hugo Swire said:

I summoned North Korea’s Ambassador today to make clear in the strongest terms the UK’s condemnation of the launch this weekend. North Korea’s actions continue to present a threat to regional and international security.

I fully support the UN Security Council’s strong condemnation of this launch. This test, even if characterised as a space launch vehicle or launch of a satellite, clearly contributes to North Korea’s development of nuclear weapon delivery systems and is a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

This launch is regrettable evidence that North Korea continues to prioritise the development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes over the well-being of its own people.

The UK is working closely with international partners at the UN to agree a collective response to this latest provocation.

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Published 8 February 2016