To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on new UN sanctions on North Korea following its recent satellite launch and decision to withdraw co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency; and if he will make a statement. (270653)

The Government have joined international partners in condemning North Korea's satellite launch on 5 April 2009. The launch was in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1718 (2006), and the subsequent decision to expel the International Atomic Energy Agency and US monitors working at Yongbyon was completely unjustified. The UN Security Council issued a strong presidential statement on 13 April 2009, and we following up with partners in the Sanctions Committee set up by UNSCR 1718. Sanctions are an important part of a wider framework of measures which, taken together, increase pressure on North Korea to cease its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. In contacts with the North Korean government in London and Pyongyang, we continue to urge restraint and encourage them to re-engage with the six party talks process.