SEOUL: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield has said that Washington and its allies are exploring fresh strategies to enforce Security Council sanctions against North Korea. This comes amidst growing concerns that Pyongyang may feel emboldened to advance its weapons program.
Last month, Russia vetoed the annual renewal of a panel of experts tasked with monitoring the enforcement of Security Council resolutions against North Korea concerning its nuclear and ballistic missile endeavors.
Thomas-Greenfield, currently in Seoul with plans to visit Japan, aims to bolster bilateral and trilateral cooperation on sanctions and related matters, as stated by U.S. mission to the U.N. spokesperson Nate Evans.
The veto by Russia and the abstention by China drew criticism from Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo. Such actions, experts argue, undermine the effectiveness of sanctions enforcement.
During her meeting with South Korea’s defense minister, Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the void left by the panel’s termination, stressing concerns that it could facilitate further advancements in Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, according to the ministry’s statement. She expressed the United States’ commitment to exploring alternative mechanisms for producing credible reports on sanctions enforcement, while seeking cooperation from allies like South Korea.
