Brasília, 1/13/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Ministry of Foreign Relations released a note yesterday (12) expressing concern with the situation in North Korea after that country announced its withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty on Nuclear Arms. In the note, the Brazilian government reaffirms its position in favor of using nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful ends.

The note says that the Brazilian government considers adherence to "non-proliferation and disarmament commitments to be irreversible." It adds by stating that Brazil "vigorously supports the complete elimination of nuclear weapons."

In the note, the Brazilian government also expresses its hope for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the crisis. (AB)