US called for “sectoral sanctions” to block joint inter-Korean railway inspections

Posted on : 2018-09-06 16:53 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
UN Command likely took issue with transport of fuel
South and North Korean railway experts conduct a joint inspection of a track near Kamho Station
South and North Korean railway experts conduct a joint inspection of a track near Kamho Station

The US State Department called for implementation of UN Security Council “sectoral sanctions” in connection with plans for a joint inter-Korean survey of the Gyeongui (Seoul-Sinuiju) railway line’s North Korean section, the Voice of America reported on Sept. 6.

On Aug. 23, South and North Korea attempted to send a train from Seoul Station to Kaesong and on to Sinuiju for a joint inspection of the North Korean railway section – a plan ultimately stymied by the UN Command, which holds jurisdiction over the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).

When asked whether they agreed with the South Korean Ministry of Unification’s position that the inter-Korean joint examination of the North Korean railroad was not subject to North Korea sanctions, an official with the US State Department spokespersons’ office was quoted as saying, “We hope that all UN member countries will fully implement UN sanctions, including those on sectoral goods prohibited by UN resolutions.”

“We expect all countries to take seriously their responsibility to help end North Korea’s illegal nuclear and missile programs,” the official was further quoted as saying.

In a regular briefing on Aug. 31, South Korean Ministry of Unification deputy spokesperson Lee Yu-jin said the inter-Korean railroad survey was “not subject to sanctions.”

“We are in continued discussions with the US and North Korea. Once our preparations are complete, we will hold additional schedule discussions with the North and announce the decision as soon as it is finalized,” she added.

When asked whether the UN Command’s recent decision to block the joint railroad survey was correct, the same State Department spokesperson’s office official was reported as stressing the need to “implement sanctions thoroughly, including those on ‘sectoral goods.’” The UNSC “sectoral sanctions” mentioned by the official were first introduced in UNSCR 2270, which was adopted in Mar. 2016, and impose sanctions on specific North Korean economic sectors including minerals and textiles. The targets of UNSC resolutions have been gradually broadened since then in response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile testing.

The exact reasons behind the official’s emphasis on “sectoral sanctions” remain unknown. But reports have indicated that while the official reason for the inter-Korean joint survey of the Gyeongui line being called off concerned a “failure to observe the prior notification deadline,” the UN Command’s actually took issue with fuel that was being carried on the train at the time. Many analysts content that the biggest reason was the US’s attempt to block South and North Korea from implementing the terms of their Panmunjom Declaration amid the ongoing stalemate in its own talks with North Korea on denuclearization and normalization of diplomatic relations.

By Kim Ji-eun, staff reporter

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]

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