Press Releases
Democratic People's Republic of Korea Nuclear Test
TK06/2009
26 May 2009
Following is the text of a Media Release by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Kevin Rudd MP on 25 May 2009.
The Australian Government strongly condemns today's apparent nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and reports of a missile test shortly afterwards. We join with our partners in the region - particularly Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States - in taking a firm stand against the DPRK's behaviour. We are deeply concerned by these latest provocative acts which breach United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718. We join with our partners in calling for quick and resolute action by the United Nations Security Council in response to the DPRK's acts. We urge the DPRK to cease its provocative and destabilising acts and work constructively through the Six-Party Talks process to resolve the challenges on the Korean peninsula. Australia is a strong supporter of the Six-Party Talks and will continue to work closely with member countries to encourage the DPRK to denuclearise and abandon its ballistic missile program.