Tensions escalate in North Korea, the head of political affairs warns the Security Council
Talking to ambassadors, Deputy Secretary General Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized the need to reduce tensions and dialogue, and noted “signs” that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is continuing to actively pursue its weapons program. its nuclear gas.
“Diplomatic engagement remains the only path to sustainable peace and complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,she said.
She welcomed offers to engage in dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea without preconditions.
Advance
Ms. DiCarlo said North Korea is “working toward” achieving new military capabilities in line with the five-year plan the country announced in January 2021.
This includes launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), and short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) in 2024. There are also reports of at the second uranium enrichment plant at Kangson, next to the uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon.
In addition, North Korea also tried to launch a military reconnaissance satellite and display weapons systems it produced at an exhibition in the capital Pyongyang, violating North Korean regulations. Security Council resolution.
“Their public display demonstrates that North Korea is far from slowing down its ballistic missile program,” Ms. DiCarlo warned.
Conflict in Ukraine
Ms. DiCarlo also mentioned reports of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine, including the transfer of more than 13,000 containers of ammunition, missiles and artillery – The report has not been verified by the United Nations.
Media also reported that North Korean troops were trained and equipped in Russia and were deployed to Russia’s Kursk region to fight alongside Russian forces.
“Although the United Nations does not have the authority to verify these claims, they are still a cause for concern.” Ms. DiCarlo said, echoing the warning given by Secretary General António Guterres.
She said that the deployment of thousands of soldiers from the DPRK to the conflict zone and their participation in the war added fuel to the fire, escalating and further internationalizing this explosive conflict.
“We reiterate our call on all relevant parties to refrain from any steps that could lead to the spillover and escalation of the war in Ukraine.”
Maintain sanctions regime
Ms. DiCarlo said that under several resolutions, including resolution 1718, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea “will cease the export of all weapons and related weapons.”
equipment,” and that all member states “shall prohibit their citizens from purchasing such weapons and related equipment” from the DPRK.
Recalling the legally binding nature of the relevant resolutions, she reiterated the Secretary-General’s assertion that any relationship between a country and the DPRK “must be in full compliance with relevant Security Council sanctions.”
Concluding her press conference, Ms. DiCarlo also emphasized the serious humanitarian situation in the country, and called on authorities to accelerate the return of the United Nations Country Team to increase support. support people and promote efforts Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
