Punishing Pyongyang

3/2/2016 5:15:38 AM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The UN Security Council is planning a new set of sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear and missile programmes.

The UN Security Council is set to vote today on a new set of sanctions against the reclusive and isolated regime of North Korea for its fourth nuclear test and rocket launch. Several sanctions are already in place against Pyongyang for its errant behaviour though they haven’t stopped the regime led by Kim Jong-un from undertaking more nuclear and missile adventures. Not that these sanctions aren’t strict enough but Kim has shown a recalcitrance and recklessness that can only be considered foolish and counter-productive. The sanctions have brought huge misery to ordinary North Koreans who remain cut off from the rest of the world.

The latest sanctions are very harsh. A US-drafted resolution that will be put to vote proposes to cut off sources of hard currency and access to technology to North Korea. It requires countries to take the unprecedented step of inspecting all cargo to and from North Korea impose new trade curbs and prevent vessels suspected of carrying illegal goods for North Korea from ports. Pyongyang’s already stifled economy is likely to suffer further damage as exports of coal iron and iron ore from the country will be banned unless the revenue is used for livelihood purposes and not to fund its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The sales of gold titanium and other rare minerals from the country will also face ban and the supply of aviation fuel including rocket fuel to the country will be prohibited. Washington has described the package of measures as the toughest to hit North Korea in two decades.

The UN has always resorted to sanctions to punish countries which are violating international laws. But questions have been raised about the ability of these sanctions to improve the conduct of errant countries. Intransigence and self-respect of targeted countries mean their governments are unlikely to buckle under pressure.

North Korea too is unlikely to change its behaviour in the face of the latest sanctions despite the additional pain it will inflict. The world is dealing with a state that is not interested in reason and commonsense.

At the same time the sanctions are important and a must due to the message it will send to Pyongyang. South Korea and Japan will be happy that the UN has acted on its concerns. Reacting to the sanctions North Korea announced it will no longer take part in meetings of the UN Human Rights Council which had set up an inquiry into crimes against humanity by Pyongyang.

North Korea will finally have to abide by the international laws. There is a limit to its military adventurism and the amount of sanctions its people can take.

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