The United Nations Security Council accept new sanctions aimed at punishing North Korea for its current missile and nuclear tests after the US dropped demands such as an oil ban to win support from Russia and China.
The 15-member council passed the resolution with one accord on Monday following a week of talks that began when Kim Jong Un’s regime tested its most hefty nuclear bomb.
The decision seeks to cut imports of refined petroleum products to 2 million barrels per year, ban textile exports and strengthen inspections of ships that are believed to be carrying cargo in breach of sanctions.
“We are acting in response to a risky new development,” United State envoy Nikki Haley speak with the Security Council after the vote.
“These are the powerful measures ever charged on North Korea,” she said, adding that the United State remains willing to act alone to stop Kim’s nuclear programme if necessary.
North Korea have not respond to the sanctions.
South Korea said on Tuesday that the isolated state remained technically prepared to perform a nuclear test.
Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon speak to the parliament that while dialogue is ultimately the only solution, it’s not time to discuss with North Korea.
While the United State can assert a victory in convincing Russia and China — which have the power on the Security Council — to agree to the reduction, the result is less than Haley had sought when she pushed for a ban on oil and a freeze on Kim’s properties abroad.
And it’s unlikely to persuade Kim to stop his nuclear programme and return to the discussion table.
strong talk, the United State is ready to reduce its demands to get support of Russia and China, and that is a calculation that we are more powerful when there is Security Council bond,” said George Lopez, a professor of peace studies at the University of Notre Dame and a former United Nation expert on sanctions against North Korea Bill Richardson, a former United State.
Ambassador to the United Nation said the sanctions were “better than nothing, but not enough to really pressure North Korea,” adding that Pyongya is likely to reply with a missile launch in the next few days.