North Korea – Launch of a military satellite (24 August 2023)

France strongly condemns North Korea’s attempted launch of a military satellite on August 24, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

These resolutions prohibit North Korea from engaging in any activity connected with ballistic missiles designed to carry nuclear weapons, including the launch of those missiles. The great similarity of the technologies used for space launches and ballistic missile launches is a direct indicator of the already troubling advances in the North Korean ballistic missile program.

France urges North Korea to comply with its international obligations without delay and to undertake a process leading to the complete, verifiable and irreversible renunciation of its nuclear and ballistic programs.

France and its partners remain fully committed to ensuring the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and encourage dialogue among all the parties.