hankyoreh

On Jan. 22, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted a resolution condemning North Korea’s December rocket launch and expanded existing UN sanctions on the Pyongyang regime.

The resolution said the council “deplores the violations” by North Korea of previous resolutions. Measures, including UNSC Resolution 1874 banned North Korea from launching ballistic missiles and conducting nuclear tests, as well as importing materials and technology to be used in these programs.

The council also, “expresses its determination to take significant action in the event of a further DPRK launch or nuclear test”.

The Jan. 22 resolution is based on an agreement drafted by the US and China. It does not include new sanctions of North Korea, only the expansion of existing sanctions. China’s support of the resolution could be a significant diplomatic blow to Pyongyang.

The resolution newly blacklisted six North Korean entities including the Korean Committee Space Technology and its chief Paek Chan-ho.

To date, the UNSC has added 5 individuals and 11 organizations connected with trafficking North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction to its sanctions list. Entities that are added to the list are subject to sanctions including freezing assets, banning financial transactions, and travel restrictions.

North Korea responded through a Foreign Ministry that released by the official news agency KCNA, “We will take measures to boost and strengthen our defensive military power including nuclear deterrence.”

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