Foreign Minister Steinmeier on North Korea's Shutdown of Its Nuclear Reactor in Yongbyon

Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement in Berlin on July 16, following confirmation by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that North Korea has shut down its nuclear reactor in Yongbyon in the course of the ongoing negotiations on its nuclear program:

"I welcome the shutdown of the nuclear reactor in Yongbyon, which the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors have confirmed. This is an important initial step towards a solution to the North Korean nuclear crisis.

Now it is crucial that further steps follow. We expect North Korea to disclose its nuclear programs and to return to the international non-proliferation regime.

We hope that the next round of six-party talks due to commence this week will be effective in driving forward the process that has begun and that we can move closer towards the goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

A successful six-party process will not only contribute to regional stability and peace, but could also serve as a model for the international non-proliferation regime and the reduction of global proliferation."

July 16, 2007

Advanced Search    Help

Statements & Speeches

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

Subscribe Here You can also read the current issues here.

Printer-Friendly Page