FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 29, 2012
CONTACT: Bridget Nolan, Director of Communications, 202-546-0795 ext 2113
Washington D.C. – Today, the Center for Arms Control and Non Proliferation commends the bilateral agreement between the United States and North Korea that says that the North Koreans agree to suspend their nuclear activities. Although, the Center notes that this is only a first step and there are still so few details regarding the announcement.
“The bilateral agreement is a positive and encouraging step forward since they were hung up over food assistance for months and no one has officially confirmed their uranium enrichment facility, but we will have to see whether North Korea follows through with them,” said Duyeon Kim, Deputy Director of Non Proliferation at the Center. “ It also seems they still need to hammer out when and how these steps will be undertaken.”
The State Department released a statement saying, “To improve the atmosphere for dialogue and demonstrate its commitment to denuclearization, the DPRK has agreed to implement a moratorium on long-range missile launches, nuclear tests and nuclear activities at Yongbyon, including uranium enrichment activities.” North Korea released a similar statement simultaneously in Pyongyang.
Kim continued, “The simultaneous releasing of statements by the U.S. and North Korea is rare. While the overall gist and key points seem to be the same, there are some differences in nuances and details. It’s also important to remember that the statements are not officially signed agreements.”