Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on the DPRK
Mr.President,
We thank USG DiCarlo for the briefing.
Russia is opposed to any military activity that poses threats to the security of the Korean peninsula and North-East Asian states.
We again see this “vicious circle” in the context of North Korean agenda. The US and the allies hold large-scale military drills in the region, the DPRK expectably retaliates, and we gather here to discuss it. The thing is that with every new circle, the positions and steps of the sides become ever more audacious and dangerous for the international peace and security.
In our view, the reason for this is obvious – Washington's desire to force Pyongyang to a unilateral disarmament through sanctions and pressure. The US, South Korea, and Japan have enhanced their military exercises in the region in the framework of the new concept of “extended deterrence”. On the eve of the recent DPRK launch, the naval forces of the United States and the Republic of Korea conducted exercises for missile defense systems using destroyer ships. About the same time, they also carried out exercise with the use of strategic bomber aircraft, and drills to practice strikes against North Korean ballistic missile launchers.
At the previous UNSC meeting on this topic, we also addressed other large-scale exercises by Washington and its regional allies. At the level of the leadership of these countries, the irresponsible talk continues about the deployment of American deterrents (i.a. nuclear) on the Korean peninsula and in the region. This being said, it becomes obvious that Pyongyang's missile launches are a consequence of the short-sighted confrontational military activity of the United States around this country, which hits both their partners in the region and the situation in Northeast Asia as a whole.
Besides, the situation on the Korean peninsula cannot be considered separately from the complicated processes which are taking place in this part of the globe. We cannot fail to note the persistent pushing forward by Washington of their unilateral security doctrine in Asia Pacific, which only creates new dividing lines in this region. New military alliances are being established, e.g. AUKUS (the US, UK, and Australia). This raises serious doubts as to whether the intentions of these states are truly benevolent or not; and it also does not facilitate dialogue in any way.
Mr.President,
We deeply regret that our Western colleagues have consistently ignored the numerous appeals by Pyongyang to the United States to stop its hostile activity, which would have created opportunities for dialogue. In 2018-2019, Pyongyang made some accommodating steps and sent positive signals, but none of those were heeded. Because of the position of the United States, the Security Council failed to react to this accordingly and contribute to easing tension.
We are convinced that mechanisms of the United Nations and its Security Council need to be utilized to support the inter-Korean dialogue and multilateral negotiations, rather than impede them. Only then will we be able to talk about resolving the outstanding issues in the region effectively (nuclear issue included) on the basis of mutually acceptable agreements. Further enhancement of sanctions against the DPRK is no longer a measure to counter the banned missile and nuclear programs, but something that will expose the people of North Korea to unacceptable socio-economic and humanitarian perturbations.
Mr.President,
Search for a diplomatic and political solution is an indispensable part of UNSC resolutions on the DPRK. Yet it is far not the first time when the Council has to limit itself to just talking about the need for preventive diplomacy. But no real steps follow – nothing going beyond the promises of Washington and other Western states to establish targeted dialogue with Pyongyang.
We have closely followed the remarks by the US representative today. No miracle will happen if the US and its allies only choose to proceed with military measures and further threaten with sanctions. This approach only promises more tension for the Korean peninsula, which could lead to unpredictable and dangerous consequences for the whole of North-East Asia.
As of today, there is only one alternative to this. All sides need to exercise restraint and prove their commitment to resuming dialogue in the spirit of previous agreements and obligations. Russian-Chinese draft of a humanitarian UNSC resolution and other initiatives of our states that could truly encourage the sides to boost negotiations remain on the table.
Thank you.
