The United States expressed disappointment following Russia's veto of a UN Security Council resolution intended to renew the mandate of the 1718 Committee Panel of Experts. The U.S. described the vote as an attempt by one member to suppress investigations into violations of Security Council resolutions by North Korea, also known as DPRK.
The U.S. questioned why any Council member would oppose the mandate renewal, noting that for 14 years, there had been unanimous support for it. According to the U.S., reports from the Panel highlighted Russia's violations of UN resolutions and North Korea's sanctions evasion within Russian jurisdiction.
In a message directed at Member States, the U.S. stated: "Russia owns this failure. Russia is the reason you will no longer receive reports from the Panel of Experts."
The veto is seen by the U.S. as encouraging North Korea to continue its activities with impunity, which includes developing long-range ballistic missiles and evading sanctions. The U.S. criticized China for abstaining from the vote, indicating China's stance on addressing North Korean proliferation issues.
"This was not the outcome the United States wanted," said a representative, emphasizing efforts made over five weeks to avoid this result through compromise and flexibility.
While commending colleagues who supported the Panel, certain proposals were deemed unacceptable by the U.S., particularly those perceived as attempts to undermine sanctions against North Korea's pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.
"The United States will not reward DPRK for its repeated violations," reiterated a spokesperson, stressing that sanctions require maintenance rather than elimination to counteract malicious cyber activity effectively.
The veto has broader implications according to Washington: "Moscow has undermined the prospect of a peaceful, diplomatic resolution."
Despite these developments, the U.S. remains firm in its commitment: "Russia...you will never silence those of us who stand in support of global nonproliferation."
Security Council resolutions remain intact against North Korea’s pursuits, and all Member States are urged to comply fully with these obligations.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation that "the United States remains committed to continue working with allies and willing partners" in holding North Korea accountable.