Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja discussed with Ambassador of Japan of North Korea’s ballistic missile launch

Press release 297/2012
13 December 2012

Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Erkki Tuomioja met today 13 of December Mr. Kenji Shinoda, Ambassador of Japan, in courtesy call. Minister Tuomioja and Ambassador Shinoda discussed the Finnish-Japanese relations and current international political and economic issues, including security issues in Asia.

With regard the yesterday’s launch from DPRK using ballistic missile technology, Minister Tuomioja stated that Finland fully agrees with the Statement by EU High Representative Ashton on 12 December. North Korea’s launch violates unambiguously international commitments, especially UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874 and its IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and its Six Party Talks commitments.

Minister Tuomioja emphasized, that Finland calls upon North Korea to comply with all its international commitments. Finland urges North Korea to refrain from further measures, which jeopardize the stability in Korean Peninsula and increase tensions in the area.

Additional information: Counsellor Esko Männistö, tel. +358 40 801 2917