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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaRussia shuts down UN watchdog tracking North Korea sanctionsPublished29 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, Earlier in 2023, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (L) met his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong UnBy Frances MaoSingaporeRussia has shut down a panel of UN experts that have for years monitored sanctions against North Korea.The panel last week said it was probing reports that Russia violated rules by buying North Korean weapons like ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.The UN’s Security Council has imposed a series of sanctions on Pyongyang since 2006 for its nuclear weapons programme.Those restrictions are still in force – but the experts group set up to monitor violations will now be disbanded.In a Security Council vote on Thursday, Russia used its veto power as a permanent member to block the renewal, while 13 of the other 14 member states present voted for it. China, Pyongyang’s closest ally, abstained.Russia’s block triggered a wave of condemnation from the US, UK, South Korea and other Western allies and comes after a year of high-profile public meetings between Moscow and Pyongyang leaders.This is the first time Russia has blocked the panel – which has been renewed annually by the UN Security Council for 14 years.Russia said to be using N Korean missiles in Ukraine Is North Korea’s leader actually considering war?Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on social media Russia’s veto was tantamount to “a guilty plea” that it was using North Korean weapons in the war.The US, UK and France all told the Council that Russia was silencing the watchdog because it had begun to report on Moscow’s own violations of the rules- specifically purchasing weapons from North Korea for the battlegrounds in Ukraine.Meanwhile, South Korea’s representative at the UN criticised Russia’s “blind self-centeredness” and said it had no justification “for disbanding the guardians” of the sanctions regime.”This is almost comparable to destroying a CCTV to avoid being caught red-handed,” Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook said.Russia has consistently denied using North Korean weapons and its representative at the UN again dismissed the accusations on Thursday.Vasily Nebenzia also argued that the panel of experts had no added value.”The panel has continued to focus on trivial matters that are not commensurate with the problems facing the peninsula,” said Mr Nebenzia, who also added that sanctions had imposed a “heavy burden” on the North Korean people.Image source, ReutersImage caption, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un showed off his country’s missiles to Russia’s Defence Minister on a visit last yearSince 2019, Russia and China have sought to persuade the Security Council to ease sanctions.The Security Council first imposed sanctions in 2006 in response to a North Korean nuclear test, and has since passed 10 more resolutions strengthening them as Pyongyang’s nuclear activity has continued.However Kim Jong Un’s regime has largely ignored the sanctions- despite their impact on the economy. The North Korean leader has rapidly continued nuclear weapons development and has pursued a more aggressive and dangerous military strategy in recent years.The UN experts say North Korea continues to flout sanctions through increased missile test launches and developing nuclear weapons. The regime launched a spy satellite this year – with technology believed to have been provided by Russia.In breach of the sanctions, it also continues to import refined petroleum products and send workers overseas, and the UN panel’s most recent report detailed a campaign of cyber attacks.Related TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaNorth Korea missile testsUnited NationsNorth KoreaTop StoriesSecret papers show Post Office knew case was falsePublished6 hours agoBus plunges off South Africa bridge, killing 45Published8 hours agoTop UN court orders Israel to allow aid into GazaPublished3 hours agoFeaturesWaiting for Evan, Putin’s ‘bargaining chip’ in Russian jailThe Papers: Water bosses a ‘disgrace’ and Easter honours ‘row’Why is Thames Water in so much trouble?Weekly quiz: How much did Kate’s Titanic piece of wood sell for?’We’ve won £80k by entering 50 competitions a day’Could artificial intelligence benefit democracy?Vice, Vice, Baby: Who’ll be Trump’s running mate?AttributionSoundsLife after Pontins swapped tourists for tradespeopleI’m not ashamed of who I am any more, says LionessElsewhere on the BBCHow are jelly beans made?Gregg Wallace visits a Dublin factory that makes over ten million of the sweets per day!AttributioniPlayerIf aliens existed, what would they look like?Let Brian Cox and Robin Ince guide you through the universe’s big questionsAttributionSoundsThe ultimate bromanceEnjoy the genius of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore with a journey through the archivesAttributioniPlayerThe deadly history of wallpaper…Discover the extraordinary stories of the ordinary items all around youAttributionSoundsMost Read1Bus plunges off South Africa bridge, killing 452Water bosses a ‘disgrace’ and Easter honours ‘row’3Questions raised over Temu cash ‘giveaway’ offer4Easter getaway begins with flood alerts in place5Beyoncé’s country album: The verdict6Man arrested after death of Gogglebox star7Tory donor and four Conservative MPs given honours8Secret papers show Post Office knew case was false9Charge of £90 to clear problem debt axed for poorest10’We’ve won £80k by entering 50 competitions a day’
[ad_1] The group was investigating Russia’s reported violations in using North Korean weapons in Ukraine.
