§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what explanation North Korea gave for its withdrawal from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty; arid if he will make a statement on the prospects of that country's return to the treaty.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNorth Korea announced its intention to withdraw from the non-proliferation treaty under article X (i) on 12 March 1993. North Korea cited the joint United States-South Korea military exercise Team Spirit, and the International Atomic Energy Authority's request for special inspections of its nuclear facilities, as being grounds for withdrawal. North Korea subsequently suspended its intention to withdraw from the treaty on 11 June. We continue to urge North Korea to resolve all suspicions about its nuclear programme by complying fully with its safeguards agreement and by affirming permanent commitment to the NPT.