The NNSC was established 60 years ago through the Armistice Agreement of 27 July 1953, which is still the only legal instrument for the avoidance of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula. As long as this Agreement is not superseded by a comprehensive peace treaty, the role of the NNSC remains important in maintaining stability and promoting confidence on both sides of the demarcation line.
The situation on the Korean Peninsula remains a matter of great concern to the international community, not only with respect to recent negative developments in regional security and arms control, but also with regard to the humanitarian and human rights situation.
The representatives of the NNSC discussed the implications of the latest developments on the Korean Peninsula for NNSC activities. These developments include regional tensions in the wake of the rocket launch carried out by the Democratic People´s Republic of Korea on 12 December 2012 as well as the nuclear test on 12 February 2013, both actions in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions. They underlined the need for all sides to abstain from actions likely to increase tensions in the region, and instead to undertake concrete measures aimed at building confidence and trust on the peninsula.
Furthermore, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland expressed their continued support for all genuine efforts aimed at achieving a negotiated and sustainable solution on the Peninsula that addresses concerns of all parties involved. All parties reaffirmed their strong support for resumption of the Six Party Talks, involving the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States of America. The NNSC Members also reaffirmed that denuclearization must be achieved and reiterated that the only way to bring about lasting stability in the region is by establishing a permanent peace arrangement on the Peninsula. Finally, the representatives discussed the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the NNSC.
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