Statement by Sam Nunn on North Korea Nuclear Test

“Although information about the North Korean test is not definitive, the statements from North Korea and available evidence are of great concern, and the test is destabilizing whatever its nature. North Korea is not a reliable source of information, but their claims to have tested a hydrogen bomb underscore the dangers we face. In addition, North Korea’s nuclear tests could eventually lead to the development and deployment of nuclear warheads that are optimized for long-range ballistic missiles, which they are also testing.  

 “We welcome the UN Security Council’s swift attention because international cooperation will be critical.  The United States cannot solve this problem alone. There are no simple answers or policies, but to achieve our stated goal of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the United States, South Korea, Japan and China must all work closely together, with strong leadership from China.  

 “This event also underscores the importance of reinforcing the global prohibition against nuclear testing and strengthening the nuclear test monitoring system. This will happen when the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty enters into force. Only eight more countries—including the United States—are needed to take this important step to strengthen global security and cooperation. Thanks to the system of 300 monitoring stations set up through the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), the world is in a good position to analyze both the data and claims coming out of North Korea and get more answers.”