We condemn in the strongest possible terms the missile tests recently conducted by North Korea on 15 and 20 October. These unsuccessful attempts are further clear evidence that North Korea is not only accelerating its nuclear efforts, but also further expanding its missile programme. In so doing, it is continuing to irresponsibly undermine stability in its neighbourhood. Like the nuclear test on 9 September, these most recent missile tests are in violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

North Korea must understand that, with this behaviour, it is choosing to continue down the path towards complete international isolation. We are campaigning for a strong tightening of existing sanctions by the United Nations Security Council, in response to this behaviour by North Korea.

We again expressly urge North Korea to immediately abandon this reckless course and to comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions without delay. It must not conduct any further ballistic missile launches, for any reason whatsoever, or any nuclear tests. These programmes must be terminated.