Explanation of Vote by Sweden at the UN Security Council Adoption on North Korea

The DPRK's actions constitute violations of international law. These actions are also contrary to the existing global norm against nuclear testing embodied in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and against global non-proliferation norms.

The Security Council has responded to the DPRK's actions in numerous resolutions. Resolution 2375, adopted in September, toughened the targeted sanctions against the DPRK so as to amount to the most rigorous sanctions regime ever imposed on the country. Today, in response to a North Korean launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on 28 November, which Sweden strongly condemns, the Council has strengthened these measures further.

Resolution 2397, which we have just adopted, reaffirms that the world does not accept the DPRK's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and that this Council continues to stand united in its resolve to address this urgent threat to international peace and security.

In parallel to effectively implementing the sanctions regime, including by full cooperation with the Panel of Experts, further work to reduce tensions and advance the prospects for a comprehensive settlement needs to be undertaken. Sanctions alone will not resolve the situation. Today, this Council has reiterated its commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political resolution. Creative efforts that pave the way for such a solution must be urgently pursued.

Sweden is contributing to these efforts. We welcome Under Secretary-General Feltman's recent visit to the DPRK, as well as the Secretary-General's readiness to provide his good offices, to this end.

Furthermore, it is of utmost importance that none of the measures adopted in today's resolution or in previous resolutions should prevent or impede the ongoing efforts by the UN and other humanitarian actors to reach those in need.

Mr President,

This Council has the responsibility to uphold international peace and security. For this reason, the situation on the Korean Peninsula has rightly preoccupied our time for much of this year. The DPRK has carried out numerous provocations and the Council has been unified in its response by imposing unprecedented sanctions.

As we have reiterated at every meeting, there is no military solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula. As we approach the end of the year, we have seen, for example with Mr Feltman's visit, the faint glimmer of an opportunity for diplomacy and dialogue. In 2018, we must grasp it. In the words of the Secretary-General, we need to spread and deepen the spirit of hope and possibility. We need to ensure that in the search for a comprehensive settlement, every avenue for peace is explored and exhausted. For the sake of the North Korean people and for the world, we cannot afford to fail.

Thank you.