UNSC adopts resolution condemning DPRK's nuclear test

The United Nations Security Council on Saturday unanimously adopted a resolution on the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and eight other nations, condemns the nuclear test proclaimed by the DPRK, demands that the DPRK eliminate its nuclear weapons and nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, and imposes sanctions on the DPRK in spheres related to its nuclear, ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction.

The resolution also welcomes and encourages furthering the efforts by all states concerned to intensify their diplomatic efforts, to refrain from any actions that might aggravate tension and to facilitate the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

Explaining China's position after the vote, Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN Wang Guangya said that proceeding from the overall interest of bringing about denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintaining peace and stability on the Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, China supports the Security Council in making a firm and appropriate response.

"We believe the act of the Security Council should both indicate the firm position of the international community and help create enabling conditions for the final peaceful solution to the DPRK's nuclear issues through dialogue. As the resolution has basically reflected the above spirit, the Chinese delegation has voted in favor of this resolution," Wang said.

However, the Chinese UN envoy stressed that sanction itself is not the end. He noted that as is stipulated by the relevant provision of the resolution, if the DPRK complies with the relevant requests of the resolution, the Security Council will suspend or lift sanctions against it.

"At the same time, we wish to point out that China does not approve of the practice of inspecting cargo to and from the DPRK. We therefore have reservations about the relevant provisions of the resolution," he said.

China strongly urges the countries concerned to adopt prudent and responsible attitude in this regard and refrain from taking any provocative steps that may intensify the tension, he added.

He noted that China has made enormous and unremitting efforts for this end, initiated the Six-Party Talks, and pushed parties concerned to reach the Joint Statement 2005.

Despite some negative development of DPRK's nuclear test, China's policies on the issue remain unchanged, he stressed.

Political observers here noted that the resolution has dropped the possibility of using force and fallen short of imposing comprehensive sanctions on the DPRK. It has also affirmed that sanction measures would be modified, suspended or lifted in light of DPRK's compliance with the provision of the resolution.

Source: Xinhua