[imText1]WASHINGTON, July 15 (Yonhap) — The U.N. Security Council on Saturday unanimously adopted a resolution to condemn North Korea for its provocative missile launches this month and require all U.N. members to prevent missile-related goods and technology from being transferred to the communist state.
The resolution, passed by a vote of 15-0, demands North Korea suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program and resume its moratorium on missile tests.
North Korea’s envoy to the U.N., Pak Gil-yon, said his country “totally rejects” the resolution and accused other countries of “misuse” of the council to pressure Pyongyang. He said North Korea “will go on with missile launch exercises” as a deterrent for self-defense.
The resolution ended a 10-day tug-of-war at the global body after Pyongyang launched seven ballistic missiles on July 4 (Washington time), including its long-range Taepodong-2 that is believed capable of striking the U.S. west coast.
It was a product of a series of compromises among council members. Japan and the United States had pushed for a Chapter 7 resolution that would allow sanctions and even use of military force if necessary to ensure the resolution is observed.
China and Russia, North Korea’s two staunchest allies, had opposed any mention of sanctions, with Beijing making clear it would veto any such resolution.
The final version watered down the tone considerably by dropping Chapter 7 and instead referring to the council “acting under its special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
Amb. John Bolton, U.S. envoy to the U.N., said despite the absence of Chapter 7, the resolution is legally binding, given such language as the words “demands” and “requires.”
He also said the Security Council will remain focused on the matter that “can at any point return to the council for further action.” Negotiations will continue among member nations on what steps should follow.
The resolution “condemns” North Korea for its multiple launches and “requires” all member states “to exercise vigilance and prevent financial resources and missile and missile related items, materials, goods and technology being transferred” to North Korea’s missile and weapons of mass destruction programs.
It also requires the member states not to procure missile or missile-related items from North Korea.
In addition, North Korea is “strongly urged” to immediately, and without conditions, return to six-party talks and implement the Sept. 19 agreement in which it agreed to abandon its nuclear weapon
