Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Remarks to the Press by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia after Security Council briefing on the situation on the Korean Peninsula

Q.: Ambassador, which North Korean sanctions do you think should be lifted?

A.: That is to be discussed, but our main message today was that unfortunately, the UN Security Council is not delivering on implementing its own resolutions. DPRK resolutions of the UNSC are not about sanctions alone. They are about diplomatic and political settlement on the Korean Peninsula. On that, we have been silent for the last two years.  

Of course, we had high hoped for the dialogue that started between the U.S. and the DPRK. However, that dialogue has stalled recently. We observe stagnation there. We would like this dialogue to resume. Until recently, North Korea in fact delivered on its promises to freeze, hold its tests. But we cannot expect it to continue doing this indefinitely given the absence of any moves in response. Negotiations is a two-way street. That should be understood.

Q.: Will you be proposing anything?

A.: We said that maybe it was time for the Council to think about adopting something to encourage progress in negotiations, de-nuclearization, security guarantees and stability in the North-East Asia.

Q.: But have you drafted anything?

A.: I just said it was high time thinking about it.

Q.: Ambassador, do you think it useful to discuss North Korea in the absence of Ambassador of the DPRK?

A.: This is not a question to me. He is in his full right to visit the Council and to make a statement. He chose not to do so. It was his choice.

Q.: How about the letter that North Korea sent to the Council members threatening further provocations if they discussed human rights?

A.: We did not discuss human rights. Human rights is not a native topic on the Security Council agenda in general.

Q.: Can you comment on the fact that five Permanent Members are in violation of Article 6 of the NPT, and yet they are crucifying North Korea?

A.: What do you mean in violation of the NPT?

Q.: Article 6 of the NPT requires all nuclear powers to diminish and eliminate their nuclear arsenals, and my country is spending trillions dollars on upgrading it.

A.: We have eliminated our nuclear arsenal through the START treaty which we forcefully propose to our U.S. partners to prolong. That was the topic of yesterday’s discussions of Minister Lavrov with Secretary of State Pompeo and with President Trump.

Q.: Given that North Korea has suggested it might conduct some sort of test early next year, what is your message to the DPRK?

A.: Refrain from it. That is my message. We should give opportunity and space for the dialogue to resume.

Q.: It is said that U.S. is planning some sort of a new approach which is more flexible. Do you know anything about it?

A.: I wish I knew it, and I wish they would. Hopefully, they will.

Q.: Did they elaborate what they meant by flexibility?

A.: You mean, the U.S.?

Q.: Yes.

A.: They did not elaborate on it, but we welcome flexibility.

Thank you.