Statement of

 HON. ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

 on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Plan

to Test Nuclear Devices

07 October 2006

     The Philippines is deeply concerned over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) recent announcement of its intention to conduct nuclear tests.

     We join the international community in urging the DPRK government to refrain from taking such action and instead return to the negotiating table, resume the Six Party Talks and abide by the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

     We strongly believe that the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is crucial to the region's peace, security and continued economic development.

     Nuclear tests would compromise this and run counter to the confidence-building efforts of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

     As an ARF member, the DPRK has an equal stake in ensuring that peace and security in the region is maintained.

/epa

(Home)