Utrikesminister Margot Wallström,
[…] Firstly, we need to effectively implement the existing sanctions until the demands of this Council are met. There are wide-spread violations of the sanctions regime in a range of areas, including arms exports, petroleum trade and financial transactions. We call on all member states to fulfil their obligations and ensure full implementation.
There is no doubt that the responsibility for the dire humanitarian situation in the DPRK fundamentally rests with the Government. At the same time, there are concerns about indirect negative impact of sanctions. Enhanced efforts are therefore needed to ensure that the humanitarian exemptions are safeguarded. A generation of North Koreans must not be lost due to malnutrition and lack of medicines. […]
The summit between the United States and the DPRK in Singapore in June was indeed significant. All parties must now work to maintain momentum, and build trust and confidence. A step-by-step approach is needed to achieve complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization. For the DPRK this means translating its commitments into concrete undertakings without delay. It is important that the IAEA is given a role early in the process.[…]
Recent progress has shown that it is possible to diffuse tensions through dialogue and cooperation. This should be recognized by the Security Council, and the newfound opportunity should be seized. We must now work together and stay united towards a peaceful, prosperous and nuclear weapons free Korean Peninsula. Läs talet