MOSCOW: Russia said on Friday that the UN Security Council could no longer use old templates in relation to North Korea after Moscow vetoed the renewal of a panel of experts monitoring enforcement of sanctions.
“It is clear to us that the United Nations Security Council can no longer use old templates in relation to the problems of the Korean Peninsula,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
The spokeswoman said that United Nations sanctions on North Korea were an obstacle to fostering dialogue and peace on the Korean peninsula and had not aided regional security.
Russia has voiced criticism against United Nations sanctions imposed on North Korea, asserting that they hinder efforts towards dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula while failing to enhance regional security. The remarks come amidst a wave of scrutiny directed at Moscow following its use of veto power to effectively terminate official UN monitoring of sanctions on North Korea, amid an ongoing investigation into alleged arms transfers between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Russia Opposes Sanctions Against North Korea
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova underscored the ineffectiveness of international restrictive measures over the years in improving the security situation in the region. Zakharova highlighted the absence of mechanisms for reviewing sanctions measures as a significant impediment, describing them as a “serious irritant” that obstructs confidence-building and political dialogue.
Russia’s veto at the UN Security Council on Thursday thwarted the renewal of the UN panel of experts tasked with investigating violations tied to North Korea’s banned nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The Kremlin defended this action, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirming that the veto aligns with Russia’s interests.
Furthermore, Russia’s recent engagement with North Korea has drawn attention, as Moscow’s spy chief visited Pyongyang earlier in the week to discuss security cooperation. The historical alliance between Russia and North Korea has strengthened in recent times, particularly amid Russia’s military assault on Ukraine.
The use of the veto by Russia has sparked debate and condemnation, with critics expressing concerns over its implications for regional stability and the effectiveness of international sanctions regimes.
