UN Security Council imposes new sanctions on North Korea

World

Published: 2017-09-12 11:24

Last Updated: 2024-03-24 19:22


North Korea states it has tested a hydrogen bomb earlier this month. (Photo Credit: GETTY Images)
North Korea states it has tested a hydrogen bomb earlier this month. (Photo Credit: GETTY Images)

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted in support of a resolution imposing new sanctions on North Korea, composed by the United States following Pyongyan's sixth and largest nuclear test at the beginning of the month. 

Sancitons were supported by China and Russia, with the counvil voting 15-0 in favor of banning textile exports as well as restricting shipments of oil products to the country. 

All countries are prohibited from granting work permits to North Korean citizens. The resolution also includes a ban on North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates, as well as limiting the import of refined petroleum products to 2 million barrels a year. 

Originally, the draft included an initial U.S. proposal detailing an assets freeze on Kim Jung-Un, and a complete ban on countries selling oil to Pyongyang, but measures were softened at the request of China and Russia. 

According to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, the ban on textile exports and overseas workers would cripple the economy by at least 1.3 billion dollars in annual revenue. 

Haley added that the U.S. is "not looking for war" with North Korea, and that Pyongyang has not surpassed "the point of no return". 

"If it agrees to stop its nuclear programme, it can reclaim its future. If it proves it can live in peace, the world will live in peace with it," Haley told the UN Security Council after the adoption of new sanctions.

China and Russia suggest that diplomatic talks should beging with curbing North Korea's ballistic missile program, and the suspensions of the U.S. and South Korea's joint military exercises. 

Prior to the decision, North Korea has warned Washington will pay "due price" for any fresh sanctions imposed.