As EU Presidency, Finland strongly condemns North Korean nuclear test

Finnish expert believes this may not be final move

print this

The carrying out early this morning of an apparently successful underground nuclear test by North Korea has prompted a storm of international condemnation.
      As the Presidency of the European Union, Finland issued its own strongly worded condemnation of what is a described as an act that "profoundly jeopardizes regional stability and represents a severe threat to international peace and security".
      "The Presidency of the European Union strongly condemns the test of a nuclear explosive device by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Carrying out the test was unacceptable. The EU works in close cooperation with the international community for a decisive international response to this provocative act."
     
The UN Security Council is set to meet in emergency session later today, following demands by the United States government that swift punitive action be taken against North Korea.
      China, Japan and South Korea have also swiftly condemed the action. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described the test as "unforgivable", and the response in Beijing has been equally negative, in spite of China's close ties with Pyongyang.
     
Tapani Vaahtoranta, Director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, sees the test as a continuation of the country's policy of defiance and brinkmanship.
      "In its way North Korea is using blackmail by threatening to acquire a nuclear arsenal if it does not get recognition and economic aid from the United States. So far it has not been successful in its quest, and for this reason it is taking things another step further", commented Vaahtoranta on Monday morning.
      In his view China and the United States have made every effort to prevent North Korea from making a nuclear device.
     
"Now it will be worth watching carefully to see if the U.S. has intentions to use stronger methods. If the United States threatens Iran with a surgical military strike under similar circumstances, will they now disclose similar plans for North Korea?"
      Vaahtoranta goes on to say that the North Korean government has remained in power largely through the reluctance of China to impose economic sanctions. He believes North Korea has, through its threats and bluster, now boxed itself into a corner from which it will be difficult to retreat.
      "They will have to follow this road that they have chosen. It may well be that this is not the final step, but that matters could take a still-worse turn", estimated Vaahtoranta.


Links:
  EU Presidency Statement in full

Helsingin Sanomat