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1st Ld-Writethru: UN chief sees dialogue as "only way" to achieve denuclearization of Korean Peninsula
[January 22, 2013]

1st Ld-Writethru: UN chief sees dialogue as "only way" to achieve denuclearization of Korean Peninsula


UNITED NATIONS, Jan 22, 2013 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- UN Secretary-general Ban Ki- moon on Tuesday welcomed a new resolution of the UN Security Council on the Dec. 12 satellite launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying that "dialogue is the only way to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as well as durable peace in the region." A statement, issued here by Ban's spokesman, said: "The secretary-general welcomes the Security Council's unanimous decision to adopt resolution 2087 (2013), which condemns the launch conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea of Dec. 12, 2012." "Speaking with one voice, the Security Council reiterated its firm stance that the DPRK's pursuit of nuclear weapons, including means of delivery, is unacceptable," the statement said.



Earlier in the day, the 15-nation Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to require the DPRK to comply with all relevant Council resolutions and not to use ballistic missile technology for any launch.

It also reiterated the need to seek a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution and resume the Six-Party Talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.


The Six-Party Talks, involving the Republic of Korea, the DPRK, China, the United States, Japan and Russia, began in 2003 and have stalled since December 2008.

"The secretary-general remains firmly convinced that dialogue is the only way to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as well as durable peace in the region," the statement said. "In this regard, he hopes that all parties concerned spare no effort to resume their diplomatic engagement, including through the Six-Party Talks." "The secretary-general urges the DPRK to fully abide by all relevant resolutions," said the statement. "In particular, he calls upon the DPRK to refrain from taking any measures that can exacerbate tensions on the peninsula, including any further launches that use ballistic missile technology or a nuclear test." According to the statement, the UN chief also "reaffirms his commitment to working for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

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