Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Greg Hands (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 27 June 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Nuclear Proliferation

Question: I thank the Minister for his answer. I am sure that he shares my concern about the prospective launch by North Korea of the Taepo-Dong II missile, which could carry a nuclear warhead as far as Alaska or Japan. Exactly a week ago, the US Secretary of State said that she would consult with allies about the situation. What suggestions has he made to her to resolve that potential crisis?

Answer: The international community, including the UK, has been proactive in speaking to North Korea and others to make sure that everyone is aware of the serious consequences if the North Koreans went ahead with that missile test launch. In our discussion upstairs the other day, in which the hon. Gentleman played a prominent part, we made it clear that the six-party talks represent the best mechanism for progress towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. That remains the case, and we still believe that the North Koreans should rejoin the six-party talks. The message to the North Koreans is, ““Rejoin the six-party talks, because you gave a commitment to those talks. Fulfil your commitment.”” Through those talks, we can start to denuclearise the region and, hopefully, put off any attempt whatsoever by the Koreans to launch a test missile.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 448 c131-2
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Developing countries Arms control International relations Nuclear test ban Proliferation Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty North Korea
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk