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Assessing Nuclear Trade Sanctions on North Korea

IN THIS ISSUE: Assessing nuclear trade sanctions on DPRK, US toward new nuclear arms cuts, nuclear de-hyphenation, Russia preps Mach 7 missiles — with India's help, Iran tries to offset newly fortified sanctions, nuclear industry and venting, round 2.

Published on July 3, 2012
 

Assessing Nuclear Trade Sanctions on North Korea

Mark Hibbs | Carnegie Proliferation Analysis

Kim Jong Un

The United Nations recently published a report prepared by a panel of experts that evaluates the implementation of the UN Security Council sanctions that were leveled against North Korea following Pyongyang's nuclear explosives tests in 2006 and 2009.

The June 29 report makes clear that in cases where the international community acts with resolution and unity, some efforts to contain North Korea's weapons-related trade may succeed. However, the report also reveals that without firm commitments by North Korea’s trading partners, the effectiveness of sanctions will be limited.

The UNSC report provides evidence that sanctions have made it more difficult on margin for North Korea to export weapons and to import the items it needs to continue development of weapons of mass destruction. That's in part because UN member states have increased their surveillance of North Korea's shipping fleet. Today, more than ever before, the number and whereabouts of North Korean vessels is understood and tracked in real time, assisting efforts to interdict suspicious cargo.   Full Article



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