WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), founder of the Congressional Bipartisan Task Force on Nonproliferation and co-President of the Parliamentarians for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament, issued the following statement today after North Korea announced it has reached an agreement with the United States to halt uranium enrichment and nuclear and long-range missile tests and allow international inspectors to monitor activities at the country’s main nuclear facility.
 
“North Korea’s nuclear program is one of the top security threats facing the United States and the entire planet. Now more than ever, eliminating the nuclear threat from the Korean Peninsula is critical for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Today’s announcement is an important, though limited, first step in continuing this dialogue with the new regime in North Korea with the goal of reaching future disarmament agreements.
 
“During the repressive regime of Kim Jong-Il, the North Korean government displayed wanton disregard for its international nuclear nonproliferation commitments. The death of Jong-Il and the resulting handover of power in Pyongyang have offered the opportunity for renewed diplomatic talks. America must continue to lead at this critical juncture in North Korea’s history or we risk other countries with dangerous intentions stepping in to assist this increasingly desperate regime.
 
“Earlier this year, Congress voted to increase sanctions against North Korea and other countries that threaten the world with nuclear weapons activities. Let’s hope these ongoing talks between the United States and North Korea will help lead to the easing of tensions on the peninsula and the promotion future stability.”  
 
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