S.Korea to refer NK missile launch to UN Security Council

S.Korea to refer NK missile launch to UN Security Council. March. 21, 2012 13:24. lightee@donga.com.

The South Korean government is stepping up diplomatic efforts to deter North Korea from test-firing a long-range rocket. Seoul will refer the matter to the U.N. Security Council if the launch proceeds.

A government source in Seoul said Tuesday, “Since North Korea’s rocket launch is in clear violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1874, U.N. sanctions will follow,” adding, “In this context, we need to help council members recognize the gravity of the issue and build a consensus on taking action.”

In 2009, the U.N. Security Council adopted a chairman`s statement condemning North Korea when it launched a long-range missile. Seoul this time expects at least a stronger statement or a more binding resolution than the statement in 2009. The adoption of a chairman`s statement or resolution requires unanimous agreement of the council`s five permanent and 10 non-permanent members.

South Korea plans to talk to permanent as well as non-permanent members such as South Africa and Togo behind the scenes. Some say it will be easier to persuade them as the U.S. will chair the council next month.

China is at the center of such diplomatic efforts. As a permanent member, it has a veto power and provides large economic and food aid to North Korea. Without Beijing’s cooperation, no sanctions against Pyongyang are possible. In this regard, South Korea is trying to persuade China via the former`s embassy in Beijing.

In addition, Seoul is in discussion with the International Atomic Energy Agency on inspection of Pyongyang`s uranium enrichment program in Yongbyon. For this, a South Korean nuclear negotiator has been sent to the agency`s headquarters in Vienna.

Washington is also considering how to respond to North Korea’s brinkmanship tactics. Pyongyang effectively broke the Feb. 29 deal reached with Washington while requesting an inspection delegation.

If the nuclear watchdog sends inspectors, it will send Pyongyang the wrong message that Washington wants to retain the Feb. 29 accord. If no delegation goes to the Stalinist country, Pyongyang could claim that the International Atomic Energy Agency gave up its opportunity for inspection.