Australia has expressed its deep concern about plans by North Korea to launch a satellite in April using a long-range missile.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr said a launch would be in clear breach of United Nations Security Council resolutions 1718 and 1874.

“North Korea’s nuclear and long-range missile programs present a real and credible threat to the security of the region, and to Australia,” Senator Carr said.

“As recently as three weeks ago, North Korea agreed in talks with the United States to implement a moratorium on long-range missile launches.

“I call on North Korea to follow through on this recent assurance and its previous commitments and abandon its launch plan.”

Senator Carr said a missile launch by North Korea would undermine efforts by the international community, including Australia, to resolve the issues on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue.

“The Australian Government will continue to urge North Korea to act in the interests of its own people and engage openly and honestly with the international community,” he said.

“It is essential that stability on the Korean Peninsula be maintained and we will continue to consult closely with our allies and partners on developments there.”

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