Committee on International Relations
NEWS ADVISORY
Committee on International RelationsU.S. House of Representatives
Henry Hyde (R-IL), Chairman
Contact: (202) 225-5021
Monday, October 09, 2006
For IMMEDIATE Release
Hyde Condemns Claimed Nuclear Test by North Korea
Calls for immediate unified response from the international community
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of North Korea’s announcement that it successfully tested a nuclear weapon yesterday, Rep. Henry J. Hyde (R-IL), the Chairman of the House International Relations Committee stated:
North Korea’s actions are in flagrant disregard of the warnings from the international community against testing a nuclear device. This provocative action is a threat to peace and security to the region and beyond, knowing North Korea’s past proliferation activities. Even today, while the United Nations condemned North Korean actions, its Ambassador arrogantly called upon the UN to congratulate it upon its achievements in the advancement of nuclear technologies, without addressing its irresponsible behavior.
I support President Bush’s efforts in seeking a diplomatic resolution to this situation, recognizing that this provocation justifies a strong, measured, and immediate response from the United Nations.
When North Korea tested seven missiles earlier this year, I said that the situation was a critical test of leadership for the Security Council and other participants in the Six-Party Talks. It is now imperative for Beijing to demonstrate that it is a responsible stakeholder in the community and step forward to enforce a rigorous sanctions regime against Pyongyang as a result of this reckless behavior.
North Korea’s actions are in flagrant disregard of the warnings from the international community against testing a nuclear device. This provocative action is a threat to peace and security to the region and beyond, knowing North Korea’s past proliferation activities. Even today, while the United Nations condemned North Korean actions, its Ambassador arrogantly called upon the UN to congratulate it upon its achievements in the advancement of nuclear technologies, without addressing its irresponsible behavior.
I support President Bush’s efforts in seeking a diplomatic resolution to this situation, recognizing that this provocation justifies a strong, measured, and immediate response from the United Nations.
When North Korea tested seven missiles earlier this year, I said that the situation was a critical test of leadership for the Security Council and other participants in the Six-Party Talks. It is now imperative for Beijing to demonstrate that it is a responsible stakeholder in the community and step forward to enforce a rigorous sanctions regime against Pyongyang as a result of this reckless behavior.
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