The United Nations Security Council on Saturday unanimously
adopted a resolution imposing sanctions against the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its recent nuclear test.
The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and eight
other nations, condemns the nuclear test proclaimed by the DPRK,
demands that the DPRK eliminate its nuclear weapons and nuclear
programs, and imposes sanctions on the DPRK in spheres related to
its nuclear, ballistic missiles and weapons of mass
destruction.
The resolution also welcomes and encourages further efforts by
all states concerned to intensify their diplomatic efforts, refrain
from any actions that might aggravate tension and to facilitate the
early resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
Explaining China's position after the vote, Wang Guangya,
Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN, said that China
supports the Security Council in making a firm and appropriate
response, and that China believes the act of the Security Council
should both indicate the firm position of the international
community and help create enabling conditions for the final
peaceful solution to the DPRK's nuclear issues through
dialogue.
But he stressed that sanction itself is not the end, noting the
resolution makes it clear that the Security Council will suspend or
lift sanctions against DPRK if?the latter?complies with
the relevant requests of the resolution. He also voiced China's
reservation over the practice of inspecting cargo to and from the
DPRK.
China strongly urges the countries concerned to adopt a prudent
and responsible attitude in this regard and refrain from taking any
provocative steps that may intensify the tension, he added.
Despite some negative development of DPRK's nuclear test,
China's policies on the issue remain unchanged, he said.
US Ambassador John Bolton said the DPRK's nuclear test "poses
one of the gravest threats to international peace and security" and
that the resolution has sent "a strong and clear message."
Japanese UN ambassador Kenzo Oshima said the DPRK's nuclear test
is unacceptable behavior, which should be met not only with strong
admonishment but with necessary measures prescribed in Chapter 7 of
the UN Charter.
Speaking after the vote, the DPRK's UN ambassador Pak Gil Yon
said his country "totally rejects" the resolution, criticizing the
Council for adopting "a coercive resolution while neglecting the
nuclear threat and moves for sanctions and pressure of the United
States against DPRK."
He said the DPRK is ready for both dialogue and confrontation.
"If the United States increases pressure upon the DPRK
persistently, the DPRK will continue to take physical
countermeasures, considering it as a declaration of a war," he
said.
The resolution came after intensive consultations over the past
days to find consensus on the international community's
response.
Political observers noted that the resolution has dropped the
possibility of using force and fallen short of imposing
comprehensive sanctions on the DPRK. It has also affirmed that
sanction measures would be modified, suspended or lifted if the
DPRK complies with the provisions of the resolution.?
(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2006)