The United States could soon broaden discussions in its push to get the United Nations to impose stronger sanctions on North Korea. The U.S. wants the talks to include all the fifteen members of the UN Security Council, in a move that could be a signal that a deal could be struck with china over the thorny North Korean issue, Reuters reported this week.
Fresh sanctions on North Korea
Since Pyongyang's decision to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on the fourth of July this year, the US has been discussing a draft resolution with China.
The resolution seeks to impose a round of new sanctions on North Korea.
Speaking to Reuters, Liu Jieyi, China's ambassador to the United Nations, said that the two countries have been having discussions for some time and that there is hope that a consensus resolution could be reached. According to some diplomats, the US could present the draft resolution as early as Thursday to all the fifteen security council members.
In the past, the U.S. and China have agreed on sanctions against North Korea, before inviting the other members of the security council to scrutinize them. For a resolution to be adopted, it requires nine votes in favor, and no vetoes by China, the United States, France, Russia, or Britain.
Washington has been keeping France and the UK in the loop. The United States top diplomat at the UN Nikki Haley said that China has been sharing details of, and negotiating the draft proposal, with China.
Russian involvement
On Sunday, Ambassador Hailey stated that the United States was growing tired of discussing North Korea and that now it is up to China to decide whether it is willing to support stronger United Nations sanctions.
However, Moscow pointed out on Sunday that the five permanent members of the UN Security Council have not held formal talks on the draft.
It is not yet clear whether the worsening relations between Russia and the US would prove a stumbling block during the negotiations. Russia is still smarting from Washington's decision on Wednesday to impose new sanctions against President Vladimir Putin's government.
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Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's Ambassador to the UN, said that even if the US and China reach an agreement, it does not mean the five permanent members of the council will agree to it. He added that although he was aware of what might be contained in the resolution, he was yet to see the draft in its current form.
Last week, Ms. Haley stated that Russia's involvement on the draft would be the real test to any possible action. Russia has disputed the U.S. claims that North Korea has launched two long-range missiles, arguing that the missiles were mid-range.
