The German Government vehemently condemns the recent testing of two ballistic missiles by North Korea. The repeated ballistic missile tests by North Korea constitute serious violations of international law and of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and jeopardise international and regional stability and security. The testing of a new cruise missile at the weekend has also heightened tensions in an irresponsible manner.

The German Government calls on North Korea once again to abide by its obligations under international law, to accept the offer of talks put forward by the United States and South Korea and to enter into serious negotiations. North Korea is bound to the complete, verifiable and irreversible ending of its programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.