UNSC adopts resolution to cap oil exports to North Korea

September 12, 2017

NEW YORK- The UN Security Council unanimously adopted on Monday a US-drafted resolution to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea following its sixth nuclear test, placing limits on crude oil exports to the reclusive country for the first time.

The ninth sanctions resolution against North Korea was adopted only about a week after the latest nuclear test, as the United States rushed to draw up a draft resolution on the back of growing concerns over Pyongyang's accelerated nuclear development.

Initially, Washington sought to impose the "strongest possible measures" against North Korea, in the words of US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, including a complete oil embargo and an asset freeze and global travel ban on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

But these proposals were eventually dropped as the United States made concessions to China and Russia, which voiced opposition to measures that could destabilize North Korea.

Haley said in a speech after the new resolution's adoption: "The North Korean regime has not yet passed the point of no return. If it agrees to stop its nuclear program, it can reclaim its future."

At the same time, Haley warned, "If North Korea continues its dangerous path, we will continue with further pressure."

Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Liu Jieyi said North Korea should take seriously the determination of the international community to make the country stop its nuclear development, seeking a peaceful resolution to the problem. Jiji Press