The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Angelino Alfano, firmly condemns the launch of a ballistic missile – performed last night by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – that reached Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The Minister stated: “It is yet another clear violation of the many United Nations Security Council resolutions, and a clear threat to regional stability and to international peace and security. The resumption of missile tests by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the continuous development of the relative military and nuclear technologies represent an open challenge to the international non-proliferation regime and constitute a reason of very great concern. This confirms the soundness of Italy’s decision to suspend the accreditation procedure of the Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in Rome.”
This afternoon (New York time) the Security Council will convene under the presidency of Italy to discuss the latest developments. “In this meeting – Minister Alfano added – Italy will speak both on behalf of the nation to reaffirm its condemnation of North Korea’s launch of the ballistic missile and the need for a firm and cohesive response by the international community, and in its capacity as President of the relative Sanctions Committee, in delivering the periodic briefing on the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must immediately give up its missile and nuclear programme and abandon the road towards self-isolation and defying the international community. Italy will continue to do its share in giving a firm and cohesive response at European and international level.”
