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)