In this April 5, 2009, image made from KRT video, a rocket is lifted off from its launch pad in Musudan-ri, North Korea. The Asean has expressed grave concern over recent nuclear and ballistic missile testing done by North Korea which it says can affect the peace and stability in the region. AP FILE
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are gravely concerned about the nuclear and missile tests being conducted by North Korea and urged “self-restraint” from the communist nation amid rising tensions in the region.
President Rodrigo Duterte as this year’s chairman released the statement of the 30th Asean summit in Manila, which discussed the Asean leaders’ consensus on issues such as the South China Sea and the tension surrounding North Korea’s nuclear program.
“We expressed our grave concern over recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) two nuclear tests in 2016 and subsequent ballistic missile launches,” the Asean chairman’s statement read.
READ: Asean calls for self-restraint, dialogue amid North Korea’s nuclear activities
The leaders called for North Korea to abide by resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to maintain peace.
“We urge the DPRK to immediately comply fully with its obligations arising from all relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and stressed the importance of exercising self-restraint in the interest of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region and the world,” the Asean leaders said.
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READ: Asean to North Korea: Stop testing nukes
The Asean leaders said they supported the denuclearization of the communist country, and called on all parties to pursue dialogue instead.
“We reiterate our full support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and for concerned Parties to explore all avenues for immediate dialogue,” the Asean leaders said.
In a press conference before the release of the chairman’s statement, President Duterte, this year’s Asean chair, said he would talk with US President Donald Trump and would appeal not to spark a war with communist North Korea.
“Mr. President, please see to it that there is no war because my region will suffer the first,” Duterte said, slamming North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un for wanting to “end the world” due to his nuclear program.
READ: Duterte says North Korea situation worrying, pleads for US prudence
Asean issued the statement against North Korea’s recent nuclear and ballistic missile testing a few days after the communist country marked its military anniversary with a massive firing drill amid increasing tension between North Korea and the United States.
US President Donald Trump has sent a powerful US carrier strike force that has come “in striking range” of North Korea. CBB/rga
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