US Allies Seek New Monitoring Mechanism For North Korea

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield arrives to attend a press conference at the American Diplomacy House in Seoul Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (Jung Yeon-je/Pool Photo via AP)

The United States and its allies are exploring options to establish a new monitoring mechanism for North Korea's nuclear weapons program, both within and outside the U.N. system. This initiative comes after Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution, halting the monitoring of Security Council sanctions against North Korea. The move raised concerns that Moscow was shielding its arms trade with North Korea to support its activities in Ukraine.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of maintaining oversight on North Korea's weapons development activities. Discussions are underway with South Korea, Japan, and like-minded countries to devise alternative monitoring strategies. The aim is to prevent the lapse of the work previously carried out by the panel of experts.

While specific details of the discussions remain undisclosed, the focus is on ensuring independent and accurate reporting on North Korea's illicit weapons programs. Thomas-Greenfield criticized Russia for violating sanctions by allegedly purchasing arms from North Korea and China for obstructing efforts to hold North Korea accountable.

Efforts to tighten U.N. sanctions on North Korea have faced resistance from Russia and China, complicating international efforts to curb North Korea's ballistic missile testing. Despite anticipated opposition, Thomas-Greenfield remains committed to finding alternative paths forward.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasizes oversight on North Korea's weapons development activities.

Exploring new monitoring mechanisms for North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Discussions with South Korea, Japan, and others for alternative monitoring strategies.

Focus on independent and accurate reporting on North Korea's illicit weapons programs.

Russia criticized for violating sanctions by allegedly purchasing arms from North Korea.

China accused of obstructing efforts to hold North Korea accountable.

In a separate context, Thomas-Greenfield addressed tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing President Biden's support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She expressed skepticism about a U.N. resolution supporting the Palestinian Authority's bid for full membership, stating that it may not facilitate progress towards a lasting solution.

The Security Council has imposed sanctions on North Korea since its first nuclear test in 2006, with subsequent resolutions seeking to curtail its nuclear and missile programs. The recent veto of the monitoring mechanism has raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing sanctions in preventing North Korea's nuclear proliferation.

The panel of experts investigating North Korean cyberattacks valued at $3 billion between 2017 and 2023 highlights the ongoing challenges in curbing North Korea's weapons development activities.