Bearing in mind the need to maintain peace and stability in the region and the international non-proliferation regime, Ministers condemn the underground nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on May 25th, 2009, which constitutes a clear violation of the Six–Party agreements and the relevant UNSC resolutions and decisions.

Ministers strongly urge the DPRK not to conduct any further nuclear test, and comply fully with the UNSC resolutions and decisions.

Ministers reaffirm their support for the Six-Party Talks to seek early and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner, thereby contributing to the peace and stability of Northeast Asia, and call on DPRK to immediately return to the Six-Party Talks.

They also emphasize the importance of addressing the humanitarian concerns./.

May 26th, 2009