BOTSWANA CUT TIES WITH NORTH KOREA

The Government of the Republic of Botswana wishes to announce that it has decided to terminate, with immediate effect, diplomatic and consular relations with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). It will be recalled that early last year Botswana suspended bilateral cooperation with North Korea as the result of the threat posed by that country to international peace and security.
The Government’s decision is informed by the recently released report of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea which details systematic, widespread and grave human rights violations by North Korean authorities. The Government of Botswana does not wish to be associated with a Government which continues to display such total disregard for the human rights of its citizens. 

The deplorable acts catalogued in the United Nations’ report are startling and warrant strong condemnation by the international community. As a member of the International Community of nations, North Korea has the responsibility for the welfare and well-being of its people and respect for human rights which have unfortunately for too long been seriously lacking in that country. 
Botswana wishes to underscore that the severing of diplomatic relations is not in any way targeted at the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea. Meanwhile, Botswana wishes to convey its heartfelt sympathies to the people of North Korea who are currently subjected to inhuman treatment under the leadership of Kim Jong Un.