Canada condemns North Korean nuclear test

Prime Minister Stephen Harper sharply condemned the apparent nuclear test carried out by North Korea (the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) on October 8.

“This irresponsible and dangerous act seriously undermines both regional peace and stability, and global efforts to halt the spread of nuclear weapons,” Mr.  Harper said. He added that Canada will continue to work with the United Nations Security Council to address the risks to Northeast Asia and beyond caused by the North Korean nuclear test.

In a statement issued on October 5, Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, had urged North Korea not to proceed with a nuclear test, but rather to return to the six-party talks.

Canada believes that North Korea’s security, economic and political goals will not be served through this latest provocation, but are best achieved through the framework of the existing six-party talks to address the North Korean nuclear crisis.