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U.S.-proposed resolution includes ban on oil exports to N. Korea

U.S.-proposed resolution includes ban on oil exports to N. Korea

Posted January. 23, 2016 07:08,   

Updated January. 23, 2016 07:56

한국어

A proposed U.N. Security Council resolution against North Korea prepared by the U.S. has included a ban on exporting oil to North Korea, a sanction that is tougher than previous ones. In addition, the U.S. proposed the prohibition of importing mineral resources from North Korea and banning Air Koryo from entering its airspace in the draft, said Japan’s Kyodo news agency on Friday.

The draft includes banning the entry of some North Korean-flagged vessels to all ports around the world and increasing the number of individuals and entities subject to an overseas asset freeze twofold from the current 12 individuals and 20 entities.

The sanctions are stricter than expected, implying Washington’s strong willingness to make progress in North Korea’s denuclearization. The annual import of 400,000 to 500,000 tons of crude oil from China is a lifeline to North Korea. The export of anthracite to China accounts for around 40 percent of North Korea’s total amount of exports. Japan, a non-permanent member of the Security Council, welcomes the proposal, saying, “(The draft) reflects the intention of strong sanctions.”

The Kyodo news agency cited diplomatic sources, saying, “Washington tapped the opinion of related member countries including China on the proposal, and is likely to present the proposal to all Security Council members after exchanging views with China.”

China, which can veto the proposal as a permanent member of the Security Council, is very unlikely to agree with the U.S. proposal. Beijing believes that although sanctions against North Korea are necessary, it is difficult to accept the proposal, which can threaten the survival of North Korea.

“It should be made in a way that can bring long-standing stability to the Korean peninsula, not causing chaos,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on the latest proposal. “The U.S. proposal seems to be used as a bargaining chip for the adoption of a strong resolution,” the Kyodo news agency said. U.S. State Secretary John Kerry is said to plan to visit China on Wednesday to have a negotiation over the proposal.



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