Kerry: Sanctions Insufficient to Contain North Korean Threat

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, states that more than sanctions are needed to end North Korea's nuclear threat, as North Korea's disconnection from the global market has made U.S. economic pressures less effective compared to the case of Iran. Associated Press reported on Wednesday, September 25, from Washington, quoting the U.S. diplomat that America's goal regarding North Korea remains unchanged, and the United States is seeking a peaceful solution for North Korea's denuclearization. At the same time, Kerry, who was responding to reporters after 'strategic talks with senior South African diplomats,' did not mention possible complementary measures to North Korean sanctions. On Tuesday, September 24, North Korea announced in an official statement that its plutonium production and high-purity uranium enrichment facilities at the Yongbyon nuclear complex have been 'recovered, modified, or adjusted and have resumed normal operations.' The announcement of the resumption of North Korea's nuclear fuel production facilities came just one day after the country warned it was ready to resume satellite launchings. These missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads and could even pose a threat to U.S. territory. North Korea stated that this test would take place on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the ruling party on October 10. Kerry further noted that the leaders of the Islamic Republic made a 'fundamental decision' [and showed] that they 'want to change course and end their isolation in the global community, [which is] much more important than pursuing a nuclear weapons program.' However, according to Kerry's assessment, North Korea has not made such a decision. The U.S. Secretary of State added that the United States and its allies will continue to pressure North Korea until its leaders understand that 'their people and their country will never move forward unless they adhere to their international obligations.' At the same time, Kerry indicated that the strategy for dealing with North Korea might differ from the strategy for dealing with Tehran without providing further details. The U.S. had previously warned through Josh Earnest, the White House spokesperson, that North Korea 'must refrain from taking actions that only lead to increased tensions in the region and focus on fulfilling its international obligations.' Earnest stated on Tuesday, shortly after the announcement of the resumption of North Korea's nuclear fuel production facilities, that the United States and the world are unchangeable, and North Korea, as a nuclear-armed country, is unacceptable. North Korea has been working for decades to complete a long-range, multi-purpose missile. After repeated failures, it finally succeeded in launching its first satellite into space with a long-range missile in late 2012. At that time, the Security Council announced that ballistic missile technology testing was prohibited and imposed sanctions against Pyongyang for this reason. The Security Council's decision provoked North Korea's anger, leading the country to conduct its third nuclear test in February 2013, which resulted in further condemnations and resolutions against Pyongyang.