The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, called on Russia and China to reverse their position regarding North Korea.
She emphasized the need for both countries to stop supporting North Korea’s negative actions and shield it from sanctions related to its weapons programs. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield made these remarks during her visit to the Demilitarized Zone, the heavily guarded border between North and South Korea.
Concern Over Monitoring Panel’s Renewal
Thomas-Greenfield’s visit follows Russia’s rejection of the yearly renewal of a panel of experts responsible for monitoring U.N. sanctions against North Korea. This panel has played a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of sanctions aimed at curtailing North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities over the past 15 years.
With Moscow’s veto and China’s abstention, the effectiveness of these sanctions is undermined, providing North Korea with opportunities to evade accountability.
Calls for Diplomacy and Accountability
The ambassador stressed that concealing the truth about North Korea’s actions does not change the reality on the ground. She urged Russia and China to reconsider their stance and encourage North Korea to engage in diplomatic dialogue and commit to constructive negotiations.
According to Thomas-Greenfield, rewarding North Korea’s negative behavior only serves to further incentivize it.
Exploring Creative Solutions
Thomas-Greenfield expressed Washington’s commitment to collaborating with South Korea, Japan, and other partners at the Security Council to explore alternative approaches for monitoring sanctions enforcement.
Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the importance of innovative thinking and “out-of-the-box” solutions to address the challenges posed by North Korea’s actions effectively.
Focus on Human Rights
During her visit to South Korea, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield met with a group of young North Korean defectors, praising their courage and resilience. She emphasized the need to raise awareness about human rights violations in North Korea and amplify the voices of those who have escaped from the reclusive state.
The ambassador’s discussions with South Korean officials also centered on strategies to promote human rights and deter North Korea’s weapons programs.
Upcoming Meetings and Engagements
Thomas-Greenfield’s visit to the region includes plans to travel to Japan, where she will meet with family members of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the early 2000s. Additionally, she will visit Nagasaki, a city devastated by a U.S. nuclear bomb in 1945.
Both South Korea and Japan are key allies of the United States and members of the Security Council, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing the challenges posed by North Korea.
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