The UN Security Council Unanimously Imposes New Sanctions on North Korea

The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved new sanctions against North Korea, which will prevent over one billion dollars in exports for the country. According to AFP, on Saturday, August 5, the Security Council voted on a draft resolution proposed by the United States that tightens the sanctions on this country. This resolution was passed without a veto from China, which has close ties with Pyongyang. Under this resolution, North Korea is banned from exporting coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore, fisheries, and seafood. If these sanctions are fully implemented, North Korea will lose two billion dollars from its three billion dollar income. These sanctions will also limit the dispatch of migrant workers, who are a major source of foreign currency for the country. The resolution prohibits any joint cooperation and new investment in existing joint ventures. Additionally, four North Korean government officials and four institutions, including the country's main foreign exchange bank, were added to the UN sanctions list. However, the proposal to halt oil exports to North Korea, which was included in the US draft, was removed from the resolution text. Following the approval of this resolution, Nikki Haley, the US Permanent Representative to the UN, welcomed the support of all 15 members of the Security Council for the new sanctions, noting that this action aligned the words and actions of the Security Council. She stated that this resolution was an important step in holding North Korea accountable for its behavior. A month ago, after North Korea tested its first intercontinental missile on July 4, the US negotiated with China to pass a new resolution against Pyongyang. North Korea also tested its second intercontinental missile on July 28. Ninety percent of North Korea's trade is with China, and the US has been pressuring for action against Pyongyang in recent months. This is the seventh resolution against North Korea since the country's first nuclear test in 2006. On August 8, North Korea announced that the test of its intercontinental ballistic missile was a 'warning' to the US regarding new sanctions. Pyongyang has also threatened to retaliate if there are 'provocative military actions by the US.' Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, stated after last week's missile test that he is proud that his country can target all US territory. The Hwasong-14 missile is one of the most significant systems that North Korea has unveiled in recent months. North Korea has also tested a medium-range missile that, according to officials, can target Hawaii and Alaska. This missile, which uses solid fuel, can be launched more quickly and stealthily towards its target. Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Donald Trump's advisor announced on Saturday that the US is considering all options against North Korea, one of which is 'preventive war.' General Herbert Raymond McMaster, the White House National Security Advisor, stated in an interview that Donald Trump is fully aware of the US strategy regarding North Korea. He noted that from Trump's perspective, the nuclear threat from North Korea is 'intolerable,' and that 'we must prepare all options, one of which is military.' The National Security Advisor also acknowledged that any attack on North Korea could lead to a 'very costly war,' with the most damage falling on the South Korean people.