By The Hon. Alexander Downer, MP
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AUSTRALIA
Australia strongly condemns the test launch of a Taepo Dong-2 long range intercontinental ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on 5 July. The DPRK also test-fired four short-range missiles. I have expressed deep disappointment to the DPRK Ambassador today about these developments, which cast serious doubt over the DPRK's genuine willingness to engage the international community and to resolve the nuclear issue. The missile test has placed additional strain on an already deadlocked six-party process, and undermined rather than enhanced DPRK's security.
The Taepo Dong-2 test runs counter to the DPRK's 1999 self-imposed moratorium on ballistic missile testing and to the Statement of Principles, signed by the DPRK on 19 September 2005. It shows North Korea does not honour its commitments. A DPRK ICBM capability poses a serious threat to the security situation in Northeast Asia and more broadly.
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In addition, we are deeply concerned that the DPRK conducted its missile tests in an atmosphere of secrecy without the notification that other countries routinely provide.
I call on the DPRK to refrain from any further provocations and return to the six-party talks immediately and unconditionally.
I am deeply troubled that the DPRK is devoting its national resources to developing long-range ballistic missiles at a time when its humanitarian situation is dire.
In response to the DPRK's provocative act Australia will give full support to robust international action, including at the United Nations. We will also further restrict travel to Australia by DPRK officials and cancel a planned visit to North Korea by a senior Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Officer.
We will also send a delegation to Washington and regional capitals to discuss appropriate mechanisms through which to coordinate an international response.
Australia stood with the US, Japan, the EU and Canada at the 22-23 June meeting of the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation in issuing strong national statements against a long-range missile test.
Australia has played an active role in the prevention of missile proliferation in the region and further afield. We are an active member of the Missile Technology Control Regime which seeks to prevent such proliferation by means of harmonised export licensing arrangements among the Regime's member states.
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