Following confirmation also from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we must assume that North Korea conducted a sixth nuclear test last night. This news is a source of great concern.

If it turns out to be true, this act would constitute a further blatant violation of international law and applicable UN Security Council resolutions. On behalf of the Federal Government, I condemn North Korea’s behaviour in the strongest possible terms.

Through its actions, North Korea is deliberately adding fuel to the already very tense situation on the Korean peninsula. Once again, the regime is demonstrating that it poses a serious threat to world peace. This threat affects us all. We now therefore need to work together to find a considered but clear response.

We will discuss this response with our partners in the EU. I am sure that the UN Security Council, too, will demonstrate great unity once again in taking the necessary measures.

This critical situation highlights the importance of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the International Monitoring System on which it is based. Its worldwide network of monitoring stations was the first to register and report the unusually high seismic activity.

I urgently call upon North Korea to comply with all applicable UN Security Council resolutions and to immediately cease all activities relating to its illegal missile and nuclear programme, without exception.