By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies
New York, NY – In a firm stance against the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, the United Kingdom has pledged to identify, expose, and counteract Russian efforts to acquire military equipment from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). This commitment was articulated by UK Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, during a UN Security Council meeting focused on North Korea.
Ambassador Woodward emphasized the Security Council’s unified position on North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, highlighting that since 2006, nine resolutions have been adopted to condemn and curb these actions. These resolutions, which were unanimously agreed upon, explicitly prohibit the transfer of arms and related materials between North Korea and any UN member state.
Continuous Flow of Military Cargo
“Russia has violated these resolutions repeatedly. There is now a continuous flow of cargo between Russia and the DPRK. This includes munitions and ballistic missiles, as reported by UN experts in April and our briefer today,” stated Ambassador Woodward. She underscored that North Korea is also sourcing refined petroleum from Russia, likely exceeding the caps mandated by the UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR).
Blatant Disregard for Sanctions
Ambassador Woodward pointed out Russia’s blatant disregard for these international restrictions. “Russia does not even attempt to hide its behavior. Russia brazenly vetoed the renewal of the 1718 Panel of Experts, and during President Putin’s visit to Pyongyang this month, Kim Jong-Un praised the active cooperation between the two countries, including in military affairs,” she said.
The Ambassador warned of the dangerous precedent set by these actions. In exchange for weapons and protection within the Council, North Korea is seeking trade and military assistance from Russia, thereby circumventing UN sanctions and increasing regional security risks. “These violations have serious consequences for millions of people worldwide,” she stated.
Impact on Global Security
Highlighting the tangible impact of these violations, Ambassador Woodward noted, “North Korean missiles are being used in the destruction of Kharkiv, bringing misery, injury, and death to Ukrainian civilians. Ammunition is helping Russia prolong its war, which continues to exact a heavy toll on women and children.”
She criticized Russia’s actions for undermining the non-proliferation regime and making the world a more dangerous place. Emphasizing the UK’s stance, she declared, “It is an abuse of this organization and its principles that Russia so openly and deliberately violates the UN sanctions regime, on top of its flagrant breach of the UN Charter in Ukraine.”
Call to Action
Ambassador Woodward concluded by urging all Security Council members to condemn Russia’s actions and to commit to collaborative efforts to safeguard the UN, the non-proliferation system, and global peace and security. “All of us who believe in this Council must call Russia out clearly and must commit to working together to protect the UN, the non-proliferation system, and global peace and security,” she asserted.
The UK’s firm stance at the UN highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions and underscores the importance of maintaining and enforcing international agreements to ensure global stability and security.
References:
- United Nations. (2023). Security Council Resolutions on North Korea. Retrieved from UN.org
- Woodward, B. (2023). Statement at the UN Security Council Meeting on North Korea. [UK Mission to the UN]. Retrieved from UKUN.org
- UNSCR. (2023). Sanctions on North Korea. Retrieved from UNSCR.org