UN urges dialogue with North Korea on nuclear weapons
- The U.N.'s nuclear chief emphasized the need for dialogue with North Korea, acknowledging its possession of nuclear weapons despite ongoing violations of international law.
- Rafael Grossi highlighted the importance of addressing North Korea's nuclear activities while also fostering communication to prevent escalating tensions.
- Engagement and proactive diplomacy are essential to address the complex nuclear landscape, which includes concerns about other nations' arsenals.
On Thursday, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, underscored the urgent need for the international community to acknowledge North Korea's nuclear arsenal. He argued that simply isolating Kim Jong Un's regime has not yielded positive results and may even worsen the situation. Grossi condemned North Korea's nuclear program for its blatant disregard of U.N. sanctions and international law, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to address these violations. Grossi expressed concern over the lack of visibility regarding North Korea's nuclear safety standards, noting that the country has a vast nuclear program that operates without adequate oversight. He pointed out that the current geopolitical climate is marked by an increase in nuclear arsenals globally, which poses a significant risk. The IAEA chief called for proactive diplomatic measures to engage North Korea, particularly in discussions about nuclear safety. The situation is further complicated by other nations, including the United States and Russia, modernizing their nuclear capabilities. Grossi highlighted the seriousness of threats from Russia, which could lower the threshold for nuclear weapon use. He also mentioned the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, where military actions have endangered nuclear power plants. In light of these developments, Grossi's call for dialogue reflects a broader need for international cooperation to address nuclear proliferation and ensure global security.