BRICS leaders condemn North Korea nuclear tests

In a statement made today (Sep 4) at the 9th BRICS summit for heads of state in Xiamen, China, the leaders of the bloc—formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—condemned the nuclear tests conducted by North Korea. On Sunday (3), North Korea announced it successfully carried out a test with a hydrogen bomb.

“We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula and emphasize that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned,” the statement reads.

Earlier today, during the opening ceremony of the summit, President Michel Temer expressed his concern over the recent North Korean nuclear tests. “The incidents in recent days materialize fears that seemed to have stayed in History books. Today, finding a diplomatic answer to such a serious situation [is key],” he said.

The president went on to note that Brazil witnessed the creation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, adopted in July, “We will sign the document this month, in New York. This is another achievement of multilateralism,” he declared.

In the statement, the presidents also deplored terrorist attacks in any form and urged all nations to take measures against terrorism, including preventing individuals from being recruited and the blocking of sources of funding, like organized crime and money laundering.

*The reporter traveled at the invitation of the China-Latin American and the Caribbean Press Center.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira