Submitted by:
Committee:
Topic A:
Delegate:
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
DISEC
Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space
[Excised]
The simultaneous research into both space exploration and nuclear weaponry during the
Cold War by the United States and Soviet Union has led to an advanced understanding of
outer space as well as a real threat of nuclear warfare. These two technological
achievements have merged into a theoretical “Star Wars” type scenario. With our current
and upcoming technological developments, it is conceivable that one nation could launch a
weapon of mass destruction, nuclear or otherwise, into outer space. By positioning
weaponry in the upper atmosphere, nations can gain a strategic advantage over their
enemies. Due to this concern the United Nations has passed numerous resolutions
generally condemning the expansion of weapons systems into outer space, and it, with the
assistance of other nations, has developed a number of treaties limiting and/or prohibiting
the expansion of nuclear weapons technology, in particular the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty and the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration
and Use of Outer Space. In addition, the United States and Soviet Union agreed to the
Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 1972. However, the United States unilaterally withdrew
from the treat in 2001 so that it might advance its missile defense program. Furthermore,
the United States has either withdrawn from or refused to agree to a number of treaties.
Such actions have raised tension, particularly because the United States is widely seen as
having a monopoly on outer space.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is committed to peaceful use of outer
space. However, the DPRK has a responsibility to the Korean people to defend them
against the dangerous or oppressive actions of foreign governments. The DPRK will use
space-related technological achievements for the purposes of defending its people but will
never exploit this technology in order to slaughter innocent lives. Rather, the DPRK will
seek to develop defensive military systems. It has become necessary to develop such a
system because of the persistent and growing threat from the United States which has not
only withdrawn from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty but has labeled the DPRK a rogue
state and part of the “axis of evil.” This is intolerable, and the DPRK will not allow itself
to be oppressed by the military power of the United States. The DPRK is furthermore
committed to the restoration of a single Korean nation and the relieving of the imperialistic
oppression of its brethren in the South. The DPRK will seek to achieve this goal by
peaceful means but will not allow the West, particularly the United States, to exploit the
Republic of Korea for their own benefit. The DPRK does not believe this policy should be
exclusive to itself, but recognizes the right of all nations to self-defense. Finally, the DPRK
recognizes the concerns of other nations with regards to its programs. Therefore, it is fully
willing to negotiate bilaterally with the United States regarding all weapons programs,
including space-related activities. However, the United States has refused such
negotiations and has, instead, attempted to intimidate the DPRK by approaching its allies.
The DPRK encourages the United Nations to intervene in the present situation with
the United States and recognize the need for bilateral negotiations between the DPRK and
United States. The DPRK recommends that the UN address this concern at its source and
eliminate the threat faced by nations such as the DPRK. If the UN helps to put an end to
oppressive imperial regimes, nations will have no reason to make the costly investment in
space-based defense programs. Resolutions must discourage space-based military
programs, but recognize them as a necessity in some situations. The DPRK is committed to
peace, recognizes the necessity of self-defense, and is willing to cooperate the international
community regarding the military applications of outer space.