UN SC resolution should not be used "to stifle" North Korea’s economy - Russian envoy

UNITED NATIONS, March 2. /TASS/. The United Nations Security Council resolution on toughening sanctions against North Korea should not be used "to stifle North Korea’s economy," Russia’s Permanent Representative to the global organization Vitaly Churkin said Wednesday after the vote in the council. "The resolution we adopted today may not and should not be used to stifle the North Korean economy," Churkin said, expressing concern over hasty introduction of unilateral sanctions against North Korea prior to the adoption of the resolution. "All this may have the most negative humanitarian consequences for North Korea’s multimillion population, especially its most unprotected part. The international community, and first of all the humanitarian organizations rendering Pyongyang aid and technical assistance should pay special close attention to that," he said. He said the set of envisioned measures "is rather tough, but the document leaves the DPRK the chance to return to the six-party process that should be relaunched without delay." "The sanctions in this case are not an end in itself, but only a means, by maximally blocking the channels of financing for the DPRK’s nuclear missile programs, to ensure return to the negotiating table with participation of all interested sides," the diplomat said. He underscored that Russia is still convinced that there is no alternative to the political-diplomatic solution of the problem of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Earlier, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on toughening sanctions against the DPRK in response to Pyongyang’s nuclear test and launch of a rocket with a satellite. The resolution, discussed by Russia, the United States and China, in particular envisions a ban on imports from North Korea of coal, iron ore, titanium, vanadium, gold and other metals of value, as well as an embargo on supplies to the country of aviation and rocket fuel. On February 7, the DPRK authorities announced that they launched a carrier rocket with the Kwangmyongsong (Bright Star) satellite. A month before, on January 6, Pyongyang held the fourth underground nuclear test in the past 10 years. UN Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from conducting any activity connected with nuclear technology, as well as development of ballistic missiles. Read more