Mogherini: EU continues de-nuclearisation of Korean peninsula

'At the same time, we are working to build the unity of the international community. Because we believe the only option is to build, together, and in particular with our partners in the region, a peaceful pathway towards a complete, verifiable and irreversible de-nuclearisation of the Korean peninsula,' European External Action Service (EEAS) quoted High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini as saying through a video message at the XX Edoardo Amaldi Conference 'International Cooperation for Enhancing Nuclear Safety, Security, Safeguards and Non-proliferation'

'In a moment like this, we must explore all possibilities to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. With all our energy, and determination. This is the most serious security threat the world is facing today. We all need to be extremely serious about it.'

'Some of you may know that I am personally involved in the work to universalise the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, as a member of the Group of Eminent Persons supporting it.'

'The Treaty has already provided us with an unprecedented mechanism to monitor nuclear tests all around the world. This has allowed us to independently assess the nature and magnitude of North Korea's tests.'

'But the Treaty has not entered into force yet. This prevents the use of on-site inspections – which would be an essential tool to guarantee non-proliferation, which means security, and peace.'

'Today, an effective universal nuclear test ban may sound like a dream. But this was also the case when Amaldi and others launched the campaign in support of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.'

'The NPT is now the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime. And we will do all we can to ensure the success of the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in 2020.'

'So our Union will continue to be a global force for non-proliferation and disarmament. We will continue to work to relaunch the Conference on Disarmament, and to conclude negotiations on a Treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.'

'Sixty years ago, the peaceful use of nuclear energy was a cornerstone in the process of building our European Union. Today, the European Union is a leading global force and an indispensable partner for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.'

'So my message today is this. The world can count on us. The world can count on the European Union.'

'We will preserve the deal with Iran. We will seek a peaceful, secure and de-nuclearised Korean peninsula.'

'And we will work for making a world finally free from nuclear weapons, a dream coming true.'

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