The United States has announced plans to impose sanctions on seven ships accused of violating UN sanctions against North Korea.
A US State Department official said on Monday, November 3, that the ships had illegally exported North Korean coal and iron ore to China, exports that generate $200 million to $400 million in revenue for Pyongyang annually, Reuters reported.
This measure aims to ensure accountability for sanctions violations and prevent financing of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
However, imposing sanctions requires consensus from the 15 members of the Security Council’s sanctions committee, and it is not yet clear whether Russia and China will agree.
North Korea has been under UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and missile programs, and these sanctions have been strengthened over the years.
