1. On January 6, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se held two telephone conversations respectively with Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa of Uruguay, the country taking Presidency of the UN Security Council during the month of January, and with Foreign Minister Jose Garcia-Margallo of Spain, the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (DPRK Sanctions Committee), and discussed measures to be taken by the UN Security Council in response to North Korea’s fourth nuclear test.

2. In his phone conversation with Foreign Minister of Uruguay Nin Novoa, Minister Yun explained the measures taken by the government of the Republic of Korea, including the announcement of a statement, in response to North Korea’s fourth nuclear test. Minister Yun stressed the importance of the Security Council to adopt a strong sanctions resolution as soon as possible to make sure that North Korea pays a corresponding price for its nuclear test and requested an active role of Uruguay as the President of the Security Council in January.

3. In response, Foreign Minister of Uruguay Nin Novoa called the latest North Korean nuclear test an unacceptable threat to global peace, and said that Uruguay, as President of the Security Council, will make efforts to ensure that the Security Council takes necessary measures.

4. In his phone conversation with Foreign Minister of Spain Garcia-Margallo, Minister Yun noted with appreciation the Spanish government’s swift announcement of a statement condemning North Korea’s fourth nuclear test. Minister Yun also stressed the need for the Security Council to promptly adopt a strong sanctions resolution, and requested close cooperation from Spain, the Chair of the 1718 DPRK Sanctions Committee.

o Expressing support for the ROK government’s position, Foreign Minister of Spain Garcia-Margallo said that Spain will closely work together with the ROK.


*unofficial translation