EU Foreign Representative: "North Korean Nuclear Issue is a Global Challenge... Will Encourage Implementation of Sanctions Against North Korea"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who oversees the EU's foreign policy, urged North Korea to respond constructively to the dialogue proposals from South Korea and the United States.

Borrell made this statement in a written response to a European Parliament inquiry regarding the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula on the 14th, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA) on the 16th.

Borrell said, "The European External Action Service (EEAS) will encourage North Korea to respond constructively to the readiness for dialogue expressed by the United States and South Korea," adding, "Third countries will be requested to use their unique communication channels with North Korea to continuously promote dialogue and credible actions toward denuclearization."

He continued, "North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs are a global challenge," emphasizing, "The EU's goal is the 'complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization' of North Korea."

He further stated, "North Korea must abandon its existing nuclear programs, including nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and ballistic missiles," and added, "We will continue to encourage the full implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea."

Regarding this matter, Borrell also expressed his intention to communicate closely and cooperate with relevant countries such as the United States and South Korea.