North Korea faces harsh new U.N. sanctions to starve it of money for its nuclear weapons program following a unanimous Security Council vote on Wednesday on a resolution drafted by the United States and Pyongyang's ally China, Reuters informs.
North Korea faces harsh new U.N. sanctions to starve it of money for its nuclear weapons program following a unanimous Security Council vote on Wednesday on a resolution drafted by the United States and Pyongyang's ally China, Reuters informs.
The resolution aims to cripple parts of the North Korean economy that fuel its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. It was negotiated for weeks by American and Chinese officials, that called for inspecting all cargo going in and out of the country, prohibiting all weapons trade and expanding the list of individuals, who can face sanctions.
According to The Moscow Times, diplomats said the resolution contained the most stringent measures yet to undermine the North’s ability to raise money and secure technology and other resources for its nuclear weapons program. Much depends, however, on whether China — North Korea’s leading trade partner and diplomatic shield — will enforce it.
The Security Council's list of explicitly banned luxury goods has been expanded to include luxury watches, aquatic recreational vehicles, Jet Skis and snowmobiles worth more than $2,000, lead crystal items and recreational sports equipment. Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s ruler, has been known to use such items to curry favor with fellow members of the country’s elite.
