1. The Republic of Korea completed its Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of February 2013, after presiding over the Security Council’s monthly wrap-up session on February 28.

2. The ROK called a Security Council emergency consultation following North Korea’s third nuclear test on February 12, and took the initiative in swiftly adopting a press statement, in which the Council strongly condemned North Korea’s nuclear test and stated its intention to work on a new Security Council resolution on the issue.

3. In addition, amid the victimization of civilians in the Syrian and Malian crises, the ROK held an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts on February 12. The Security Council adopted a presidential statement, which reaffirmed the Council’s strong opposition to impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.

● Representatives (including four foreign ministers) of 74 member states, observers and international organizations participated in the debate, showing high participation rate among open debates hosted by the Council in recent months.

4. The ROK, which assumed the presidency in just a month after beginning its 2013-2014 term on January 1, 2013, led the Council’s activities effectively by dealing with a variety of issues, including WMD threat and climate change as well as regional issues such as the situation in the Middle East.

● Aside from the Security Council members, more than 70 UN member states participated in the wrap-up session on February 28, reflecting their strong interest in the work of the Security Council.

5. The ROK is expected to reassume the presidency of the Security Council in 2014. The ROK will work to contribute further to the implementation of the Security Council’s primary responsibility, which is to maintain international peace and security.

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

*unofficial translation