UNSC Resolution Allows N Korea to Return to Talks - Russia's Envoy

The new UN Security Council resolution on North Korea leaves Pyongyang with an option to return to six-party talks on denuclearization, Russian Envoy to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said Wednesday.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, the UNSC unanimously adopted the resolution expanding sanctions against North Korea

"The sanctions outlined [in the resolution] are quite tough, but the document leaves the DPRK with an opportunity to return to six-party talks, which should be resumed without delay," Churkin said after the resolution was passed.

The sanctions imposed by the resolution are slated to affect multiple sectors of North Korea's economy, make all cargo going to and from the country subject to inspection and limit or prohibit the nation's export of coal, iron, gold, titanium and rare natural minerals. The resolution also bans conventional arms sale as well as delivery of aviation and rocket fuel to Pyongyang.

"The sanctions are not an end in themselves in this case, but rather just a way to ensure — by cutting off funding channels for the DPRK's missile and nuclear programs — that all interested parties return to the negotiating table," he added.

US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said on Tuesday that the resolution introduces the strongest set of sanctions imposed by the United Nations in the past 20 years.

On January 6, North Korea said it had successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test, which triggered a wave of condemnation from the international community. On February 7, Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test, and launched a ballistic missile in February in violation of the Security Council resolutions.