The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano said: “Italy categorically condemns the launch of a ballistic missile over Japan by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea last night, and expresses its solidarity with the Japanese government and its people. Pyongyang’s show of defiance against the non-proliferation regime poses a serious threat to regional stability, peace and international security, and is yet another clear violation of numerous UN Security Council resolutions. The frequency of the missile tests by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the continued development of related technology is causing great and growing concern, made worse by the development of Pyongyang’s military nuclear programme, borne out by the test carried out last 3 September.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must immediately refrain from increasingly resorting to self-isolation and defying the international community, and must stop developing its missile and nuclear programme. Italy will continue to do its share in giving a firm and united response at both European and international level”.