Annan regrets DPR of Korea's decision to withdraw from nuclear weapons treaty

Following the announcement by the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said he regretted the move and strongly urged Pyongyang to reconsider its decision.

"While noting the denial by the DPRK of any intentions to acquire nuclear weapons, the Secretary-General stresses the importance of adhering to Treaties and their legal obligations in achieving international peace and security in accordance with international law," said a statement issued by a UN spokesman in New York. "He takes this opportunity to reiterate that the problems regarding DPRK's nuclear programme must be resolved through peaceful dialogue."

The statement described the NPT as the lynchpin of the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, "and with 188 States Parties is the most widely subscribed to multilateral treaty in this area." It also noted that no state party has ever withdrawn from the accord in the 33 years since its entry into force.