North Korea – Launch of a military satellite (May 31, 2023)

France strongly condemns North Korea’s attempted launch of a military satellite on May 31 in flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions.

Since 2006, many Security Council resolutions have called on North Korea to refrain from proceeding with any activities relating to ballistic missiles designed to carry nuclear weapons, including the launch of such missiles. Given that the technologies used in space launches and the firing of ballistic missiles are very similar, this launch direct contributes to the already troubling progress of North Korea’s ballistic missile program.

France urges North Korea to immediately end its destabilizing actions, to comply with its obligations without delay, and to accept offers of dialogue and return to the negotiating table. France underscores its determination to pursue the goal of North Korea’s complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization, and together with its European and international partners is fully committed to ensuring the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.