The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution that imposes new sanctions and tightens some of its existing measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), due to the country's ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile-related activities that “threaten international peace and security.”
“Today's unanimous action by the Security Council has sent a clear message that the DPRK must return to full compliance with its international obligations,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement issued by his spokesperson, in which the UN chief urged the East Asian country to abide by the resolution and called upon all UN Member States to ensure its implementation.
“This firm response by the Security Council should put an end to the cycle of provocation and lead to the resumption of dialogue in accordance with the unified view of the international community”, he added.
The Secretary-General also reiterated the critical role of international assistance in safeguarding the lives of millions in the country, while renewing his call on the DPRK to do more for the lives of its people. “Genuine improvement in human rights is a necessary basis for long-term security and stability,” he said.
In the resolution, which was sponsored by the United States, the 15-member body condemned “in the strongest terms” the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on 6 January, noting that it was “in violation and flagrant disregard” of the Council's prior resolutions. It further condemned the country's launch of 7 February, which used ballistic missile technology and was a “serious violation.”
As a result of such incidents, the new measure expands sanctions against the DPRK by imposing a ban on all exports including coal, iron, iron ore, gold, titanium ore, vanadium ore and rare earth metals, and banning the supply of all types of aviation fuel, including rocket fuel.
* United Nations http://www.un.org/en/index.html
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