Brussels, 25/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 25 January, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton welcomed the unanimous adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2087 on 22 January 2013, imposing sanctions on North Korea. She said the EU will transpose the new resolution without delay and will consider additional measures in consultation with its key partners. Ashton takes the view that the adoption of the resolution “underlines the depth of the concern about North Korea's repeated violations of its international obligations and the resolve of the international community to act in solidarity in its response”.
Deploring the announcement by the North Korean authorities that they intend to proceed with further “provocative actions, including a new nuclear test”, the EU high representative called on the North Korean authorities to choose a “more constructive path, through engagement with the international community, including in the framework of the Six-Party Talks, which would be conducive to regional stability and would improve the welfare of the North Korean people”.
North Korea's reaction. The North Korean committee for the peaceful reunification of the homeland described the resolution as a “declaration of war”, saying that “serous physical reprisals” will be taken against South Korea if it takes part in the sanctions. It added that North Korea renounces negotiation with the South regarding de-nuclearisation.
The Council resolution imposed broader sanctions on North Korea following the missile launch in December. Demanding that it proceed to no further nuclear launches using ballistic missile technology, at the risk of further sanctions being imposed, the Council has already added entities and individuals targeted by United Nations sanctions to their list - the North Korean Space Agency and two of its officials, five North Korean banks or commercial companies, and two bank officials. (CG/transl.jl)