Security Council Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Including Bans on Natural Gas Sales, Work Authorization for Its Nationals
Resolution 2375 (2017) Also Takes Humanitarian Situation into Account as Members Urge Resumed Talks on Denuclearizing Korean Peninsula
The Security Council, acting unanimously this evening, decided to impose a raft of new sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — including a ban on the sale of natural gas liquids to the North-East Asian nation, and on its textile exports — while also prohibiting Member States from providing work authorizations to its nationals.
By the terms of resolution 2375 (2017), the Council condemned in the strongest terms Pyongyang’s nuclear test of 2 September, saying that action stood “in flagrant disregard” of its resolutions, and reaffirmed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must immediately suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.
Among the new sanctions imposed today was a ban on the supply, sale or transfer of all condensates and natural gas liquids to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as well as a ban on its exports of textiles such as fabrics and apparel products. The Council further decided that all Member States would prohibit the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea of all refined petroleum products beyond 500,000 barrels during an initial period of three months — beginning on 1 October 2017 and ending on 31 December 2017 — and exceeding 2 million barrels per year during a period of 12 months beginning on 1 January 2018 and annually thereafter. In addition, Member States would not supply, sell or transfer crude oil to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in excess of the amount supplied, sold or transferred by that State in the 12-month period prior to the adoption of today’s resolution.
In addition, the Council decided to extend a number of existing sanctions, including the freezing of one additional individual’s assets, and both a travel ban and assets freeze to be imposed on three additional entities, both annexed to the text.
Expressing concern that nationals of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea frequently worked in other States for the purpose of generating foreign export earnings used to support Pyongyang’s prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, the Council also decided to prohibit Member States from providing authorizations for that country’s nationals to work in their jurisdictions unless specifically determined by the Committee established pursuant to Council resolution 1718 (2006).
The Council further called for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks — multilateral negotiations involving China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the United States — expressing its commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Following the text’s adoption, Council members emphasized that its “robust” measures were commensurate with the serious and escalating nature of the threats posed by Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme. The representative of the United States, a co-sponsor of the resolution, said it built upon what were already the deepest-cutting sanctions ever levelled against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Recalling Pyongyang’s claims that it had tested a hydrogen bomb on 3 September, she warned: “We will act to stop it ourselves” if the regime did not end such activities. Half measures had failed, she said, adding that the Council had acted in a different way today by attempting to take the future of Pyongyang’s missile programme “out of the hands of its outlaw regime”.
Japan’s representative said today’s resolution would strengthen the sanctions imposed on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to an unprecedented level, with the ban on textile exports expected to reduce its revenues by $800 million and oil imports to be cut by approximately 30 per cent. Indeed, the text was “an urgent call for the regime to change its behaviour”, he said, emphasizing that the Council would not back off in the face of Pyongyang’s persistent provocations.
Several speakers highlighted the resolution’s support for a peaceful, negotiated diplomatic solution, noting that it left significant room for dialogue. In that regard, Senegal’s representative joined other speakers in urging the parties to return to the negotiating table, pointing out that the resolution contained critical provisions that could pave the way for a political settlement.
Echoing calls for a peaceful resolution, China’s representative cited the joint China-Russian Federation initiative announced on 4 July, saying it was as realistic as it was feasible. He expressed hope that the United States would not seek to change the Pyongyang regime, collapse it, pursue an accelerated reunification of the Korean Peninsula, or dispatch military forces north of the thirty-eighth parallel.
The Russian Federation’s representative said his country did not accept Pyongyang’s claim to nuclear-weapon status. However, the rejection by the resolution’s sponsors of the Secretary-General’s good offices, and their reluctance to reaffirm the “four nos” — concerning regime change, regime collapse, accelerated reunification and military deployment north of the thirty-eighth parallel — raised serious questions that remained unanswered. It would be a “big mistake” to underestimate the joint initiative of the Russian Federation and China, he said, insisting that it be taken into consideration.
The Republic of Korea’s representative said the swift and unanimous adoption of today’s resolution reflected both a sense of urgency as well as the gravity of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The sanctions would substantially reduce the oil supply to the Democratic people’s Republic of Korea, which would also lose two of its largest sources of income — textile exports and overseas labourers. Emphasizing the importance of international unity on the matter, he said the goal was not to “bring [the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] to its knees, but to achieve a peaceful solution” to the nuclear issue.
Also speaking were representatives of France, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Italy, Sweden, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Bolivia and Ethiopia.
The meeting began at 6:08 p.m. and ended at 7:20 p.m.
Action
The Council adopted resolution 2375 (2017) by 15 votes in favour.
Statements
NIKKI HALEY (United States), emphasizing that the United Nations and the entire international community stood united against the threats posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, said today’s resolution built on what were already the deepest-cutting sanctions ever levelled against that country. In light of Pyongyang’s claims that it had tested a hydrogen bomb on 3 September, she warned, “we will act to stop it ourselves” if the regime did not end such activities. “Half measures against the regime have not worked,” she said, pointing out that the Council had acted in a different way today by attempting to take the future of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s missile programme “out of the hands of its outlaw regime”.
The resolution hit Pyongyang’s ability to fuel and fund its nuclear programme, and would reduce by almost 50 per cent its supply of gas, diesel and heavy fuel oil, she continued, adding that it also completely banned natural gas and other products that could be used as a substitute for those fuels. “This will cut deep,” she continued, explaining that the resolution also prohibited textile exports. When combined with recent sanctions on coal and other products, a full 90 per cent of Pyongyang’s exports were now fully banned, she said, emphasizing that maritime authorities would help to prohibit the smuggling of banned products, and that a ban on joint ventures would prevent the regime from obtaining the foreign knowledge, technology and investments it needed to advance its nuclear weapons programme. However, those measures would only work if they were observed strictly by all States, she cautioned, while underlining: “We are not looking for war.” The Pyongyang regime had not yet passed the point of no return, and if it proved that it could live in peace, the world would live with it. “The choice is theirs,” she emphasized.
KORO BESSHO (Japan) said the Council had sent a clear signal to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the international community as a whole, that the continuation of its nuclear and missile development could never be accepted. Today’s resolution would strengthen the sanctions imposed on that country to an unprecedented level, with the ban on textile experts expected to reduce its revenues by $800 million while cutting its oil imports by approximately 30 per cent. “Today’s resolution is an urgent call for the regime to change its behaviour,” he said, emphasizing that the Council would not back off in the face of Pyongyang’s persistent provocations, which repeatedly challenged its resolutions.
It was the international community’s collective will to exert maximum pressure on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to demonstrate seriousness and encourage concrete action towards denuclearization, he continued. Noting that the Council had repeatedly expressed its determination to adopt further measures if Pyongyang carried out further missile launches or nuclear tests, he said a peaceful diplomatic solution — “which we all want” — was in the regime’s hands. It must demonstrate concrete measures for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, comply with Council resolutions and the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks, and return to the dialogue table. Meanwhile, all Member States must demonstrate renewed commitment to the rigorous and thorough implementation of Council resolutions, he stressed.
FRANÇOIS DELATTRE (France) emphasized the need for both firmness and lucidity in dealing with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The regime was increasingly creative in avoiding sanctions, so the Council must be equally creative in response, he said, stressing that anything Pyongyang perceived as weakness and division would encourage it to undertake further provocations. Everyone’s security was at stake, he added.
MATTHEW RYCROFT (United Kingdom) noted that the Council had sent a message of its own in response to Pyongyang’s recent provocations, making clear that “we will not stand idly by” or be “intimidated or cowed” by its actions. Today’s strategic measures, alongside others already imposed, added up to the most stringent United Nations sanctions regime placed on any nation in the twenty-first century. It curtailed imports of gas, petrol and oil; banned all textile exports; and ended future work authorizations of Pyongyang’s overseas labourers. “We are tightening the screw, and we stand ready to tighten it further,” he said, calling for the use of all diplomatic tools to bring pressure to bear on Pyongyang. Urging all States to redouble implementation of their sanctions, including those adopted today, he said Pyongyang bore full responsibility for the measures imposed today. “Diplomacy can end this crisis,” he stressed. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea must now choose to end its testing and provocations and “do the right thing” by stepping back from such activities.
YURIY VITRENKO (Ukraine) said today’s decision proved that the Council remained united and decisive in its response to the growing nuclear threat on the Korean Peninsula, and in its intention to avoid affecting the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. He emphasized the importance of full and comprehensive implementation of all Council resolutions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea by all Member States. Ukraine had voted in favour of the resolution in the belief that responsible members of the international community must spare no effort in restoring respect for international law and in finding solutions to counter the greatest threats to global peace and security, he said.
ELBIO ROSSELLI (Uruguay) said today represented the fifth time since his delegation’s having joined the Council that it had reaffirmed the importance of addressing serious violations by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Underscoring the urgent need for Pyongyang to respect Council resolutions, cease its ballistic and nuclear weapons programmes and immediately end all related activities, he said today’s sanctions were a “means to an end”: bringing Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. A sustained, results-oriented diplomatic dialogue — firmly supported by all countries — must resume as soon as possible, he emphasized.
SEBASTIANO CARDI (Italy) said the grave situation provoked be the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had necessitated today’s decision. Pyongyang’s actions revealed a deliberate attempt to undermine international peace and security as well as the Council’s authority, he said, noting that the Council had stood united once again to ensure that Pyongyang’s threats did not go unanswered. The text adopted this evening was a balanced one, calling for a strong package of restrictive measures while also taking humanitarian concerns into account and setting out a political path through which the Pyongyang Government could revert to international legality and reach a peaceful solution to the situation. Calling on it to make credible progress on its obligation to denuclearize, he also urged the international community to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
LIU JIEYI (China) emphasized his country’s commitment to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as well as the need for dialogue, urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to take seriously the expectations and will of the international community. The situation must be resolved peacefully, he emphasized, recalling the joint initiative announced by China and the Russian Federation on 4 July. That initiative was as realistic as it was feasible, he said, expressing hope that it would find a positive response.
He went on to voice hope that the United States would not seek to change or collapse the regime in its policy towards the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or an accelerated reunification of the Korean Peninsula or the dispatch of its military forces north of the thirty-eighth parallel. China also called for the removal of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, he said, explaining that it undermined the regional security balance, and for the parties to avoid rhetoric and action that could aggravate tensions.
OLOF SKOOG (Sweden) said the actions of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had put millions of people at risk and the Council must stand united in addressing such a dangerous crisis. Strengthened sanctions would contribute to a change in Pyongyang’s behaviour, but only if they were implemented fully, he emphasized. In parallel with tighter sanctions, political efforts must urgently be put in place, he said, adding that the Council should explore how the good offices of the Secretary-General could contribute to resolving the situation. Nothing should prevent ongoing efforts by the United Nations and its partners to provide humanitarian assistance, he said, warning that, with winter approaching, greater support for such efforts would be needed.
VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) said his country did not accept the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s claim to be a nuclear-weapon State, emphasizing provisions in Council resolutions that called for a peaceful, political and diplomatic resolution of the situation. Ignoring those provisions would mean a direct violation of the consensus within the Council. The rejection by the resolution’s sponsors of the Secretary-General’s good offices, and reluctance to reaffirm the “four nos” — regime change, regime collapse, accelerated reunification and military deployment north of the thirty-eighth parallel — raised serious questions that remained unanswered, he emphasized.
Recalling that President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation had denounced Pyongyang’s recent provocations, he said it would be a “big mistake” to underestimate the Russian Federation-China joint initiative, and insisted that it be taken into consideration. While it would be wrong not to react firmly to nuclear tests, the Council’s response must be thought out thoroughly, taking the humanitarian situation into account, he stressed. He concluded by recalling that in the course of finalizing today’s resolution, many Council colleagues had described it as a “prologue” to work on a political settlement. “We would like to see proof of that in the near future,” he said.
FODÉ SECK (Senegal) said the Council had been forced into action to bolster the existing sanctions regime in line with its mandate to maintain international peace and security. Robust measures such as those imposed today were required in response to Pyongyang’s serious threats, he said, emphasizing that the sanctions must be pursued globally, and accompanied by political efforts for dialogue towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Calling on the Council to ensure the parties returned to the negotiating table, he described the resolution’s operative paragraphs 28, 29 and 30 as critical in paving the way for a political solution. “Now we must rise to the occasion” by implementing its measures, he added.
AMR ABDELLATIF ABOULATTA (Egypt) said his delegation had voted in favour of the resolution in light of his country’s strong support for the international non-proliferation regime. Egypt sought to set an example of how to deal with threats to that regime “without double standards”, he said. Calling upon Pyongyang to end its continued violations of Council resolutions and return to the Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear-weapon State, he said it should also return to the dialogue on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and work towards sustainable peace between the two Koreas. He urged Pyongyang immediately to end all actions that could undermine peace in the region or globally, and called on all stakeholders to seek a peaceful solution to the situation in line with Council resolutions, while underscoring the importance of the Six-Party Talks in that regard. It was also critical not to lose sight of humanitarian needs in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea as the international community implemented the measures adopted today, he emphasized.
KAIRAT UMAROV (Kazakhstan) welcomed the Council’s “unanimous resolve” and deplored Pyongyang’s continued violation of its resolutions. Despite the international community’s urgent appeals and rejection of its actions, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continued to pose a threat to peace and stability, both in the region and globally, he noted. “We are not talking about a virtual threat, but a real threat to the people of neighbouring countries and beyond,” he emphasized, noting that Pyongyang’s irresponsible policies undermined collective efforts to ensure a nuclear-weapon-free future. “In the twenty-first century, there is no place for nuclear tests,” he emphasized, expressing hope that today’s resolution would send a strong and clear message to that effect. The text left room for dialogue, he pointed out, urging Pyongyang to “heed the call of humanity” and pursue the path of negotiation and dialogue.
SACHA SERGIO LLORENTTY SOLÍZ (Bolivia) said sanctions must not be an end in themselves, but rather a means to bring the parties to the negotiating table, always bearing in mind the humanitarian situation. A shortfall in political and diplomatic solutions would result in the Council’s failing to act, he said, warning against any unilateral act of provocation outside international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Support for the joint initiative of China and the Russian Federation would make it possible to reduce tensions, he said, describing that “road map” as the only tangible programme available. He appealed to all parties to reject military solutions and the use of force.
TEKEDA ALEMU (Ethiopia), Council President for September, spoke in his national capacity, saying Pyongyang’s latest moves had rendered the situation more dangerous. It was vital to maintain Council unity on a matter that could easily get out of hand, with all the consequences that possibility implied. There was no military solution to the crisis and Ethiopia hoped today’s resolution, together with Council unity, would facilitate the search for a comprehensive diplomatic settlement. That must happen sooner rather than later, he said, adding that the alternative was hardly a viable option, to put it mildly.
CHO TAE-YUL (Republic of Korea) said the swift and unanimous adoption of today’s resolution reflected both a sense of urgency and the true gravity of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The sanctions would substantially reduce the oil supply to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which would also lose two of its largest sources of income — textile exports and overseas labourers. If fully implemented, the measures would significantly undercut Pyongyang’s capability to pursue further nuclear weapons development, he said, adding that they also sent a clear message that “enough is enough” and that continuing along the wrong path would deepen its isolation, seriously endanger its political stability and hinder its economic development. That was surely not what the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea desired, but that was what it would face if it did not change course immediately, he warned.
Through the resolution’s biting and robust measures, he continued, the international community had reaffirmed its commitment to remaining united in stopping the further pursuit of nuclear weapons by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. “Our goal is not to bring [that country] to its knees, but to achieve a peaceful solution” to the nuclear issue, he stressed. With Pyongyang rejecting dialogue with any country, however, there were no viable options to scaling up sanctions in order to make it return to the negotiating table. Strong economic sanctions, under the present circumstances, were the only diplomatic means available to that end, he said. The Republic of Korea called on the entire international community to implement all relevant Council resolutions fully, he said, adding: “Pyongyang will then feel the real pain of sanctions this time around.”
Resolution
The full text of resolution 2375 (2017) reads as follows:
“The Security Council,
“Recalling its previous relevant resolutions, including resolution 825 (1993), resolution 1695 (2006), resolution 1718 (2006), resolution 1874 (2009), resolution 1887 (2009), resolution 2087 (2013), resolution 2094 (2013), resolution 2270 (2016), resolution 2321 (2016), resolution 2356 (2017), resolution 2371 (2017) as well as the statements of its President of 6 October 2006 (S/PRST/2006/41), 13 April 2009 (S/PRST/2009/7), 16 April 2012 (S/PRST/2012/13), and 29 August 2017 (S/PRST/2017/16),
“Reaffirming that proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security,
“Expressing its gravest concern at the nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (“the DPRK”) on September 2, 2017 in violation of resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), and 2371 (2017) and at the challenge such a test constitutes to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (“the NPT”) and to international efforts aimed at strengthening the global regime of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the danger it poses to peace and stability in the region and beyond,
“Underlining once again the importance that the DPRK respond to other security and humanitarian concerns of the international community and expressing great concern that the DPRK continues to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles by diverting critically needed resources away from the people in the DPRK who have great unmet needs,
“Expressing its gravest concern that the DPRK’s ongoing nuclear- and ballistic missile-related activities have destabilized the region and beyond, and determining that there continues to exist a clear threat to international peace and security,
“Underscoring its concern that developments on the Korean Peninsula could have dangerous, large-scale regional security implications,
“Underscoring its commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all States in accordance with the Charter, and recalling the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
“Expressing also its desire for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the situation, and reiterating its welcoming of efforts by Council members as well as other Member States to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue,
“Underlining the need to ensure international peace and security, and ensure lasting stability in north-east Asia at large and to resolve the situation through peaceful, diplomatic and political means,
“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and taking measures under its Article 41,
“1. Condemns in the strongest terms the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on September 2 of 2017 in violation and flagrant disregard of the Security Council’s resolutions;
“2. Reaffirms its decisions that the DPRK shall not conduct any further launches that use ballistic missile technology, nuclear tests, or any other provocation; shall immediately suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program and in this context re-establish its pre-existing commitments to a moratorium on all missile launches; shall immediately abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, and immediately cease all related activities; and shall abandon any other existing weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner;
Designations
“3. Decides that the measures specified in paragraph 8 (d) of resolution 1718 (2006) shall apply also to the individual and entities listed in Annex I and II of this resolution and to any individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, and to entities owned or controlled by them, including through illicit means, and decides further that the measures specified in paragraph 8 (e) of resolution 1718 (2006) shall also apply to the individual listed in Annex I of this resolution and to individuals acting on their behalf or at their direction;
“4. Decides to adjust the measures imposed by paragraph 8 of resolution 1718 (2006) through the designation of additional WMD-related dual-use items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology, directs the Committee to undertake its tasks to this effect and to report to the Security Council within fifteen days of adoption of this resolution, and further decides that, if the Committee has not acted, then the Security Council will complete action to adjust the measures within seven days of receiving that report, and directs the Committee to regularly update this list every twelve months;
“5. Decides to adjust the measures imposed by paragraph 8 (a), 8 (b) and 8 (c) of resolution 1718 (2006) through the designation of additional conventional arms-related items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology, directs the Committee to undertake its tasks to this effect and to report to the Security Council within fifteen days of adoption of this resolution, and further decides that, if the Committee has not acted, then the Security Council will complete action to adjust the measures within seven days of receiving that report, and directs the Committee to regularly update this list every twelve months;
“6. Decides to apply the measures imposed by paragraph 6 of resolution 2371 (2016) on vessels transporting prohibited items from the DPRK, directs the Committee to designate these vessels and to report to the Security Council within fifteen days of adoption of this resolution, further decides that, if the Committee has not acted, then the Security Council will complete action to adjust the measures within seven days of receiving that report, and directs the Committee to regularly update this list when it is informed of additional violations;
Maritime Interdiction of Cargo Vessels
“7. Calls upon all Member States to inspect vessels with the consent of the flag State, on the high seas, if they have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that the cargo of such vessels contains items the supply, sale, transfer or export of which is prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017) or this resolution, for the purpose of ensuring strict implementation of those provisions;
“8. Calls upon all States to cooperate with inspections pursuant to paragraph 7 above, and, if the flag State does not consent to inspection on the high seas, decides that the flag State shall direct the vessel to proceed to an appropriate and convenient port for the required inspection by the local authorities pursuant to paragraph 18 of resolution 2270 (2016), and decides further that, if a flag State neither consents to inspection on the high seas nor directs the vessel to proceed to an appropriate and convenient port for the required inspection, or if the vessel refuses to comply with flag State direction to permit inspection on the high seas or to proceed to such a port, then the Committee shall consider designating the vessel for the measures imposed in paragraph 8 (d) of resolution 1718 (2006) and paragraph 12 of resolution 2321 (2016) and the flag State shall immediately deregister that vessel provided that such designation has been made by the Committee;
“9. Requires any Member State, when it does not receive the cooperation of a flag State of a vessel pursuant to paragraph 8 above, to submit promptly to the Committee a report containing relevant details regarding the incident, the vessel and the flag State, and requests the Committee to release on a regular basis information regarding these vessels and flag States involved;
“10. Affirms that paragraph 7 contemplates only inspections carried out by warships and other ships or aircraft clearly marked and identifiable as being on government service and authorized to that effect, and underscores that it does not apply with respect to inspection of vessels entitled to sovereign immunity under international law;
“11. Decides that all Member States shall prohibit their nationals, persons subject to their jurisdiction, entities incorporated in their territory or subject to their jurisdiction, and vessels flying their flag, from facilitating or engaging in ship-to-ship transfers to or from DPRK-flagged vessels of any goods or items that are being supplied, sold, or transferred to or from the DPRK;
“12. Affirms that paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 apply only with respect to the situation in the DPRK and shall not affect the rights, obligations, or responsibilities of Member States under international law, including any rights or obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982, with respect to any other situation and underscores in particular that this resolution shall not be considered as establishing customary international law;
Sectoral
“13. Decides that all Member States shall prohibit the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the DPRK, through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not originating in their territories, of all condensates and natural gas liquids, and decides that the DPRK shall not procure such materials;
“14. Decides that all Member States shall prohibit the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the DPRK, through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not originating in their territories, of all refined petroleum products, decides that the DPRK shall not procure such products, decides that this provision shall not apply with respect to procurement by the DPRK or the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the DPRK, through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not originating in their territories, of refined petroleum products in the amount of up to 500,000 barrels during an initial period of three months beginning on 1 October 2017 and ending on 31 December 2017, and refined petroleum products in the amount of up to 2,000,000 barrels per year during a period of twelve months beginning on 1 January 2018 and annually thereafter, provided that (a) the Member State notifies the Committee every thirty days of the amount of such supply, sale, or transfer to the DPRK of refined petroleum products along with information about all the parties to the transaction, (b) the supply, sale, or transfer of refined petroleum products involve no individuals or entities that are associated with the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017) or this resolution, including designated individuals or entities, or individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, or entities owned or controlled by them, directly or indirectly, or individuals or entities assisting in the evasion of sanctions, and (c) the supply, sale, or transfer of refined petroleum products are exclusively for livelihood purposes of DPRK nationals and unrelated to generating revenue for the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017) or this resolution, directs the Committee Secretary to notify all Member States when an aggregate amount of refined petroleum products sold, supplied, or transferred to the DPRK of 75 per cent of the aggregate amount for the period between 1 October 2017 and 31 December 2017 has been reached, and again notify all Member States when 90 percent and 95 percent of such aggregate amount has been reached, directs the Committee Secretary beginning on 1 January 2018 to notify all Member States when an aggregate amount of refined petroleum products sold, supplied, or transferred to the DPRK of 75 per cent of the aggregate yearly amounts have been reached, also directs the Committee Secretary beginning on 1 January 2018 to notify all Member States when an aggregate amount of refined petroleum products sold, supplied, or transferred to the DPRK of 90 per cent of the aggregate yearly amounts have been reached, and further directs the Committee Secretary beginning on 1 January 2018 to notify all Member States when an aggregate amount of refined petroleum products sold, supplied, or transferred to the DPRK of 95 per cent of the aggregate yearly amounts have been reached and to inform them that they must immediately cease selling, supplying, or transferring refined petroleum products to the DPRK for the remainder of the year, directs the Committee to make publicly available on its website the total amount of refined petroleum products sold, supplied, or transferred to the DPRK by month and by source country, directs the Committee to update this information on a real-time basis as it receives notifications from Member States, calls upon all Member States to regularly review this website to comply with the annual limits for refined petroleum products established by this provision, directs the Panel of Experts to closely monitor the implementation efforts of all Member States to provide assistance and ensure full and global compliance, and requests the Secretary-General to make the necessary arrangements to this effect and provide additional resources in this regard;
“15. Decides that all Member States shall not supply, sell, or transfer to the DPRK in any period of twelve months after the date of adoption of this resolution an amount of crude oil that is in excess of the amount that the Member State supplied, sold or transferred in the period of twelve months prior to adoption of this resolution, unless the Committee approves in advance on a case-by-case basis a shipment of crude oil is exclusively for livelihood purposes of DPRK nationals and unrelated to the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017) or this resolution;
“16. Decides that the DPRK shall not supply, sell or transfer, directly or indirectly, from its territory or by its nationals or using its flag vessels or aircraft, textiles (including but not limited to fabrics and partially or fully completed apparel products), and that all States shall prohibit the procurement of such items from the DPRK by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, whether or not originating in the territory of the DPRK, unless the Committee approves on a case-by-case basis in advance, and further decides that for such sales, supplies, and transfers of textiles (including but not limited to fabrics and partially or fully completed apparel products) for which written contracts have been finalized prior to the adoption of this resolution, all States may allow those shipments to be imported into their territories up to 90 days from the date of adoption of this resolution with notification provided to the Committee containing details on those imports by no later than 135 days after the date of adoption of this resolution;
“17. Decides that all Member States shall not provide work authorizations for DPRK nationals in their jurisdictions in connection with admission to their territories unless the Committee determines on a case-by-case basis in advance that employment of DPRK nationals in a member state’s jurisdiction is required for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, denuclearization or any other purpose consistent with the objectives of resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017), or this resolution, and decides that this provision shall not apply with respect to work authorizations for which written contracts have been finalized prior to the adoption of this resolution;
Joint Ventures
“18. Decides that States shall prohibit, by their nationals or in their territories, the opening, maintenance, and operation of all joint ventures or cooperative entities, new and existing, with DPRK entities or individuals, whether or not acting for or on behalf of the government of the DPRK, unless such joint ventures or cooperative entities, in particular those that are non-commercial, public utility infrastructure projects not generating profit, have been approved by the Committee in advance on a case-by-case basis, further decides that States shall close any such existing joint venture or cooperative entity within 120 days of the adoption of this resolution if such joint venture or cooperative entity has not been approved by the Committee on a case-by-case basis, and States shall close any such existing joint venture or cooperative entity within 120 days after the Committee has denied a request for approval, and decides that this provision shall not apply with respect to existing China-DPRK hydroelectric power infrastructure projects and the Russia-DPRK Rajin-Khasan port and rail project solely to export Russia-origin coal as permitted by paragraph 8 of resolution 2371 (2017);
Sanctions Implementation
“19. Decides that Member States shall report to the Security Council within ninety days of the adoption of this resolution, and thereafter upon request by the Committee, on concrete measures they have taken in order to implement effectively the provisions of this resolution, requests the Panel of Experts, in cooperation with other UN sanctions monitoring groups, to continue its efforts to assist Member States in preparing and submitting such reports in a timely manner;
“20. Calls upon all Member States to redouble efforts to implement in full the measures in resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017), and this resolution and to cooperate with each other in doing so, particularly with respect to inspecting, detecting and seizing items the transfer of which is prohibited by these resolutions;
“21. Decides that the mandate of the Committee, as set out in paragraph 12 of resolution 1718 (2006), shall apply with respect to the measures imposed in this resolution and further decides that the mandate of the Panel of Experts, as specified in paragraph 26 of resolution 1874 (2009) and modified in paragraph 1 of resolution 2345 (2017), shall also apply with respect to the measures imposed in this resolution;
“22. Decides to authorize all Member States to, and that all Member States shall, seize and dispose (such as through destruction, rendering inoperable or unusable, storage, or transferring to a State other than the originating or destination States for disposal) of items the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which is prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017), or this resolution that are identified in inspections, in a manner that is not inconsistent with their obligations under applicable Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1540 (2004), as well as any obligations of parties to the NPT, the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Development of 29 April 1997, and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction of 10 April 1972;
“23. Emphasizes the importance of all States, including the DPRK, taking the necessary measures to ensure that no claim shall lie at the instance of the DPRK, or of any person or entity in the DPRK, or of persons or entities designated for measures set forth in resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017), or this resolution, or any person claiming through or for the benefit of any such person or entity, in connection with any contract or other transaction where its performance was prevented by reason of the measures imposed by this resolution or previous resolutions;
Political
“24. Reiterates its deep concern at the grave hardship that the people in the DPRK are subjected to, condemns the DPRK for pursuing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles instead of the welfare of its people while people in the DPRK have great unmet needs, and emphasizes the necessity of the DPRK respecting and ensuring the welfare and inherent dignity of people in the DPRK;
“25. Regrets the DPRK’s massive diversion of its scarce resources toward its development of nuclear weapons and a number of expensive ballistic missile programs, notes the findings of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance that well over half of the people in the DPRK suffer from major insecurities in food and medical care, including a very large number of pregnant and lactating women and under-five children who are at risk of malnutrition and nearly a quarter of its total population suffering from chronic malnutrition, and, in this context, expresses deep concern at the grave hardship to which the people in the DPRK are subjected;
“26. Reaffirms that the measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017) and this resolution are not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences for the civilian population of the DPRK or to affect negatively or restrict those activities, including economic activities and cooperation, food aid and humanitarian assistance, that are not prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), 2321 (2016), 2356 (2017), 2371 (2017) and this resolution, and the work of international and non-governmental organizations carrying out assistance and relief activities in the DPRK for the benefit of the civilian population of the DPRK and decides that the Committee may, on a case-by-case basis, exempt any activity from the measures imposed by these resolutions if the committee determines that such an exemption is necessary to facilitate the work of such organizations in the DPRK or for any other purpose consistent with the objectives of these resolutions;
“27. Emphasizes that all Member States should comply with the provisions of paragraphs 8 (a) (iii) and 8 (d) of resolution 1718 (2006) without prejudice to the activities of the diplomatic missions in the DPRK pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations;
“28. Reaffirms its support for the Six Party Talks, calls for their resumption, and reiterates its support for the commitments set forth in the Joint Statement of 19 September 2005 issued by China, the DPRK, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States, including that the goal of the Six-Party Talks is the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner, that the United States and the DPRK undertook to respect each other’s sovereignty and exist peacefully together, that the Six Parties undertook to promote economic cooperation, and all other relevant commitments;
“29. Reiterates the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in north-east Asia at large, expresses its commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic, and political solution to the situation, and welcomes efforts by the Council members as well as other States to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue and stresses the importance of working to reduce tensions in the Korean Peninsula and beyond;
“30. Urges further work to reduce tensions so as to advance the prospects for a comprehensive settlement;
“31. Underscores the imperative of achieving the goal of complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner;
“32. Affirms that it shall keep the DPRK’s actions under continuous review and is prepared to strengthen, modify, suspend or lift the measures as may be needed in light of the DPRK’s compliance, and, in this regard, expresses its determination to take further significant measures in the event of a further DPRK nuclear test or launch;
“33. Decides to remain seized of the matter.”
Annex I
Travel Ban/Asset Freeze (Individuals)
1. PAK YONG SIK
a. Description: Pak Yong Sik is a member of the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Military Commission, which is responsible for the development and implementation of the Workers’ Party of Korea military policies, commands and controls the DPRK’s military, and helps direct the country’s military defense industries.
b. AKA: n/a
c. Identifiers: YOB: 1950; Nationality: DPRK
Annex II
Asset Freeze (Entities)
1. CENTRAL MILITARY COMMISSION OF THE WORKERS’ PARTY OF KOREA (CMC)
a. Description: The Central Military Commission is responsible for the development and implementation of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s military policies, commands and controls the DPRK’s military, and directs the country’s military defense industries in coordination with the State Affairs Commission.
b. AKA: n/a
c. Location: Pyongyang, DPRK
2. ORGANIZATION AND GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT (OGD)
a. Description: The Organization and Guidance Department is a very powerful body of the Worker’s Party of Korea. It directs key personnel appointments for the Workers’ Party of Korea, the DPRK’s military, and the DPRK’s government administration. It also purports to control the political affairs of all of the DPRK and is instrumental in implementing the DPRK’s censorship policies.
b. AKA: n/a
c. Location: DPRK
3. PROPAGANDA AND AGITATION DEPARTMENT (PAD)
a. Description: The Propaganda and Agitation Department has full control over the media, which it uses as a tool to control the public on behalf of the DPRK leadership. The Propaganda and Agitation Department also engages in or is responsible for censorship by the Government of the DPRK, including newspaper and broadcast censorship.
b. AKA: n/a
c. Location: Pyongyang, DPRK