U.S., Japan, South Korea, And The EU Have Imposed More Sanctions On North Korea

 

BBC: North Korea hit with sanctions after ballistic missile tests 

The US and its Asian allies have imposed sanctions on three North Korean senior officials associated with the country's recent missile tests. 

Pyongyang launched a record number of ballistic missiles more than 60 - this year, and tested several intercontinental ballistic missiles. Jon Il Ho, Yu Jin, and Kim Su Gil allegedly "played major roles" in developing the weapons. 

Japan, South Korea, and the EU have also imposed sanctions.  

Read more .... 

U.S., Japan, South Korea, And The EU Have Imposed More Sanctions On North Korea  

Japan, U.S., South Korea tighten sanctions on North Korea over ICBM launch -- Kyodo News 

Japan, S Korea, US slap sanctions on N Korea over missile tests -- Al Jazeera  

U.S., Asian allies hit North Korea with new sanctions over missile tests -- UPI  

U.S. sanctions 3 people following string of North Korean missile launches -- CNBC

China And Russia Want UN Sanctions Removed On North Korea. U.S. Says No

 

VOA: China, Russia Urge UN Security Council to Lift Economic Sanctions on N. Korea  

WASHINGTON — China and Russia are set to introduce a joint resolution to the United Nations Security Council calling for an end to a host of economic sanctions on North Korea. 

Among the sanctions the two countries want lifted are a ban on North Koreans working overseas and sending home their earnings, exporting seafood and textiles and ending a cap on imports of refined petroleum. 

The draft resolution, obtained separately by the Associated Press and Reuters, urges the 15-member Security Council to remove the sanctions “with the intent of enhancing the livelihood of the civilian population” of North Korea.

Read more .... 

More News On North Korean Sanctions  

China, Russia urge UNSC to end key sanctions on North Korea -- AP  

China, Russia push for easing North Korea sanctions -- DW  

China, Russia pressure UN Security Council to lift North Korea sanctions -- The Hill  

As North Korea’s economy flounders, hints of easing isolation -- Al Jazeera 

Russia & China’s new bid to scrap sanctions on North Korea will likely be blocked by the US. But it could relieve nuclear tensions -- RT

European Union Sanctions Russian Intelligence, North Korean, Chinese Firms Over Cyberattacks

Reuters: EU sanctions Russian intelligence, North Korean, Chinese firms over alleged cyberattacks

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Thursday imposed travel and financial sanctions on a department of Russia’s military intelligence service and on firms from North Korea and China over their suspected participation in major cyberattacks across the world.

In its first ever sanctions related to cybercrime, the EU targeted the department for special technologies of the Russian military intelligence service, known as Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, it said in a statement.

The bloc accused the Russian service of having carried out two cyberattacks in June 2017, which hit several companies in Europe resulting in large financial losses. The service is also accused of two cyberattacks against Ukraine’s power grid in 2015 and 2016.

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WNU Editor: In response to these sanctions China wants to talk .... China, Russia call for dialogue with EU over alleged cyberattacks (CGTN). Russia promises to retaliate .... Russia to give tit-for-tat response to EU sanctions over alleged cyberattacks (TASS). No response from North Korea.

More News On The European Union Sanctioning Russian Intelligence, North Korean, Chinese Firms Over Cyberattacks

European Union hits Chinese ‘hackers’ with sanctions, along with alleged cyber-spies from Russia and North Korea -- SCMP
EU imposes sanctions on Russian, North Korean, Chinese groups and individuals for major cyberattacks -- The Hill
EU issues first ever sanctions against cyber attacks -- EU Observer
Chinese and Russian hackers were just sanctioned by Europe for the first time -- MIT Technology Review

China And Russia Prepare UN Resolution To Lift Key North Korea Sanctions

Reuters: U.S.-led pressure fractures as China, Russia push for North Korea sanctions relief

SEOUL (Reuters) - A proposal by China and Russia to ease U.N. sanctions on North Korea increases pressure on the United States and signals what is the likely end of unified efforts to persuade Pyongyang to give up its growing nuclear and missile arsenal.

On Monday China and Russia proposed that the United Nations Security Council lift a ban on North Korea exporting statues, seafood and textiles, and ease restrictions on infrastructure projects and North Koreans working overseas, according to a draft resolution seen by Reuters.

The plan comes at a crucial moment - just weeks before the deadline set by North Korea for Washington to offer more concessions - and highlights deepening divisions over how to engage with North Korea.

Read more ....

More News On China And Russia Pushing For North Korea Sanctions Relief

China and Russia urge UN to lift key North Korea sanctions -- AP
China, Russia seek easing of sanctions on N.Korea -- NHK
China, Russia propose easing sanctions on DPRK, U.S. says 'premature' -- CGTN
Russia, China Submit UN Resolution to Lift Sanctions on North Korea -- Sputnik
Russia, China prepare UN SC resolution for N.Korea sanctions relief, dialogue -- TASS
Russia, China propose easing N Korea sanctions, US says premature -- Al Jazeera

North Korea Demands The Return Of One Of Its Cargo Ships Seized By The U.S.

An undated picture of the North Korean vessel Wise Honest, released by the US Department of Justice on May 9, 2019 © Reuters / US DoJ handout

Reuters: North Korea says ship seizure by U.S. violates spirit of Trump-Kim summit

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea said on Tuesday the seizure of one of its cargo ships by the United States was an illegal act that violated the spirit of a summit between the two countries’ leaders, and demanded the return of the vessel without delay.

The North’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it rejected U.N. Security Council resolutions against it which the United States cited in impounding the vessel, as a violation of its sovereignty.

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WNU Editor: If I was North Korea I would be more worried that another ship may be seized.

More News On North Korea Demanding The Return Of One Of Its Cargo Ships Seized By The U.S.

North Korea demands return of ship seized by US -- BBC
North Korea demands return of cargo ship seized by US -- AP
North Korea accuses the US of 'gangster-like robbery' and demands immediate return of its cargo ship that was seized for 'violating sanctions' -- AFP
North Korea describes US impounding of vessel as 'robbery' -- DW
North Korea calls coal ship seizure a 'robbery,' says it betrays spirit of US summit agreement -- FOX News
N Korea says ship seizure by US illegal, demands immediate return -- Al Jazeera
Vessel seizure is US attempt to bring NK ‘to its knees’ with ‘maximum pressure’ – Pyongyang -- RT

U.S. Seizes North Korean Ship For Violating Sanctions

The North Korean ship, "Wise Honest." Department of Justice

Daily Mail: U.S seizes 'sanctions-busting' North Korean ship in escalation of tensions hours after Kim Jong-Un unleashes more missiles - and Trump says dictator isn't 'ready to negotiate'

* Trump's Justice Department said it has seized the Wise Honest, which was detained in Indonesia last month with two dozen crew on board
* U.S. officials say payments for maintenance and equipment for the ship were made unwittingly in American dollars through U.S. banks - a sanctions breach
* It came hours after North Korea fired two suspected short-range missiles in its second weapons launch in five days
* The two projectiles were launched from a base in North Korea's north-west and aimed toward the east, Seoul defense officials said
* At the White House Trump said he thought Kim's regime was 'not ready to negotiate' but played down the launch, saying 'we'll see what happens'

The Trump administration says it has seized a North Korean cargo ship that U.S. officials say was used to transport coal in violation of international sanctions - as the president said he now doubts Kim Jong-Un wants to negotiate.

The Justice Department announced the seizure Thursday of the Wise Honest. The ship was detained by Indonesia last month with two dozen crew members on board.

U.S. officials say payments for maintenance and equipment for the ship were made unwittingly in American dollars through U.S. banks.

The move came hours after Kim's regime launched new missiles - and at the White House Donald Trump said the U.S was looking very seriously at North Korea's latest launch,and that while North Korea wants to negotiate with the United States, he does not think it is ready to do so.

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WNU Editor: That is a big ship. Expect a North Korean response very soon.

More News On the U.S. Seizing A North Korean Ship For Violating Sanctions

US seizes North Korean cargo ship for violating sanctions -- AP
North Korea launches more missiles; U.S. seizes ship in mounting tensions -- Reuters
U.S. Seizes North Korean Ship for Violating Sanctions -- The New York Times
U.S. seizes North Korean ship suspected of violating U.N. sanctions -- NBC
US seizes North Korean cargo ship, alleging sanctions violations -- CNN
North Korean ship used to illicitly transport coal is seized over sanctions violation, US announces -- FOX News
US Seizes North Korean Cargo Ship Over Alleged Sanctions Violations -- Sputnik

U.N. Report: North Korean Protecting Its Nuclear Missiles. Sanctions Ineffective

Reuters: North Korea protecting nuclear missiles, U.N. monitors say, ahead of summit talks

UNITED NATIONS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korea is working to ensure its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities cannot be destroyed by military strikes, U.N. monitors said ahead of a meeting between U.S. and North Korean officials to prepare a second denuclearization summit.

The U.S. special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, will meet his North Korean counterpart on Wednesday in Pyongyang to prepare for a summit later this month between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.Biegun has said he hoped the meeting with new North Korean counterpart Kim Hyok Chol would map out “a set of concrete deliverables” for the summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Biegun, who held talks with South Korean officials in Seoul on Sunday and Monday, said he would be aiming for “a roadmap of negotiations and declarations going forward, and a shared understanding of the desired outcomes of our joint efforts”.

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Update #1: North Korea trying to keep its nuclear missiles safe from US strikes, says UN report (The Guardian)
Update #2: North Korea is making sure its nukes survive if the U.S. strikes (VICE News)

WNU Editor: Until an agreement is reached, North Korea will continue to build and maintain its nuclear force. As for sanctions .... the fact that North Korea must go to extreme lengths to circumvent sanctions means that it is exacting a very high cost on North Korea to get the goods that it wants. In that context, sanctions are working to a certain degree.

U.S. Accuses Russia Of Busting North Korean Sanctions

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting about implementation of sanctions against North Korea at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 17, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Reuters: At U.N., U.S. accuses Russia of 'cheating' on North Korea sanctions

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley accused Russia on Monday of “cheating” on U.N. sanctions on North Korea and said Washington has “evidence of consistent and wide-ranging Russian violations.”
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks during a United Nations Security Council

Haley told the U.N. Security Council that while “difficult, sensitive talks” between the United States and North Korea are ongoing, it was the wrong time to start easing sanctions on Pyongyang.

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Update: Haley Denounces Russia for ‘Cheating’ on North Korea Sanctions (Bloomberg)

WNU Editor: This is a follow-up on U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's earlier remarks .... Pompeo accuses Russia of actively working to undermine North Korea sanctions (Reuters), and the issuing of more U.S. sanctions .... US sanctions North Korea tech firms based in China, Russia (CNN).

Russia Accused Of Breaking North Korean Sanctions

Asia Times: Pompeo accuses Russia of North Korea sanctions violations

While Washington strives to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea, fractures may be appearing in international unanimity

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Washington’s lead negotiator on North Korean denuclearization, said on Saturday that he believes Russia is violating international sanctions against North Korea.

“I want to remind every nation that has supported these resolutions that this is a serious issue and something that we will discuss with Moscow,” Pompeo told a news conference in Singapore, Reuters reported, “We expect the Russians and all countries to abide by the U.N. Security Council resolutions and enforce sanctions on North Korea.”

Read more ....

Update #1: Report: Russia Set Up Clandestine Network For N. Korea Oil Shipments (VOA)
Update #2: Russia Accused Of Illegally Selling Oil To North Korea (OilPrice.com)

WNU Editor: China is also relaxing sanctions .... China is quietly relaxing its sanctions against North Korea, complicating matters for Trump (L.A. Times).

For The Past Five Months China Had Completely Cut-Off North Korea From Petrol Products And Other Vital Supplies

China's President Xi Jinping (R) shaking hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on March 27. Data suggests China might have used its economic clout to ensure it remained at the heart of international negotiations involving North Korea Credit: AFP

The Telegraph: China turns the screw on North Korea by cutting its petrol supply, report says

China has turned off the tap on crucial goods for North Korea in a bid to pile on economic pressure as South and North Korean leaders prepare for an unprecedented diplomatic summit this April, and hopes for May talks between the US the isolated country mount.

The leaders of North and South Korea are to meet on April 27 for the first time in more than a decade, the two countries announced on Thursday after preliminary talks between senior officials.

An analysis of Chinese customs data from Aberdeen Standard Investments has revealed that China’s exports of refined petroleum to North Korea have collapsed in the last five months, to as little as 3.7 per cent on the previous year.

Other products have also been hit. North Korean steel imports from China have fallen dramatically, along with car imports. Economists believe that the data may explain the recent dramatic shifts in North Korean policy.

The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un provoked widespread international attention this week with a trip to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This followed the country's attendance at the Winter Olympics, and was another highly unusual step for closed-off state, known for its efforts to proliferate nuclear weapons an oppressive regime.

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WNU Editor: Now we know why North Korea offered to enter into talks with South Korea and the U.S. during and ater the Olympic Games, and why North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un scurried to China this past week when Beijing gave him an invitation to visit the capital and to discuss the upcoming talks. He is being squeezed, and we now to what extent he has been squeezed. The big question that I have right now is that since Kim Jung-Un's visit, will China open the borders to export these products, or will they keep on squeezing him?

This CIA-Linked Spy Plane Is Looking For Ships That Are Busting North Korean Sanctions

横田基地に怪しいヤツ着陸！
やっと撮れた！！！

来た時より大分変わりましたね！

Bombardier Dash8-300 N599XQ pic.twitter.com/xXXOdAhvKC

— みずき46 (@mizuki8898) 25 March 2018

Warzone/The Drive: Shadowy CIA-Linked Spy Plane May Be Scouring The Sea For North Korean Sanction Busting

Since February 2018, the essentially unmarked surveillance aircraft has been flying orbits over the East China Sea between North Korea and China.

For weeks now, plane spotters on the ground and those using online flight tracking software have watched the curious activities of a highly modified and effectively unmarked de Havilland Canada Dash-8 surveillance plane as it flies missions from U.S. Air Force bases in Japan. It’s not clear who is operating the aircraft or what it’s doing, but it is reportedly tied to the CIA, and from the plane’s routes and overall configuration, it may be involved in enforcing sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

The aircraft, which carries the U.S. civil registration code N599XQ, but it otherwise overall white in color, first began appearing in Japan at Yokota Air Base outside of Tokyo in February 2018. It has since flown out of Kadena Air Base further south on the island of Okinawa, as well, primarily into the East China Sea. Units assigned to Pacific Air Forces, or PACAF, the Air Force’s top command for operations in the Pacific theater, manage operations at both of the bases.

Read more ....

WNU editor: The technology behind these planes must be very impressive .... and they have been busy .... UN blacklists dozens of ships and companies for North Korean smuggling operations (Business Insider/Reuters)

U.S. Imposes New Sanctions Against North Korea For Using The Chemical Warfare Agent VX To Assassinate The Half-Brother Of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un

Business Insider/Reuters: US slaps more sanctions against North Korea for the killing of Kim Jong Un's half-brother with VX chemical

* The US imposed an additional set of sanctions against North Korea.
* The State Department said the sanctions were made after determining North Korea used the chemical warfare agent VX to assassinate the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Malaysia.
* Secretary of State Rex Tillerson determined North Korea had "used chemical weapons in violation of international law or lethal chemical weapons against its own nationals."

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has determined Pyongyang used the chemical warfare agent VX to assassinate the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Malaysia in 2017 and has imposed sanctions in response, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday.

The prohibitions appeared largely symbolic, such as sales to North Korea under the Arms Export Control Act and barring the export of national security-sensitive goods and technology to North Korea, which has no relations with the United States.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement the U.S. government made the formal determination about the use of VX on Feb. 22 under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991.

The additional sanctions on Pyongyang went into effect on March 5 after the finding was formally published in the Federal Register, the official journal of the U.S. government, Nauert said.

Read more ....

Update: North Korea used VX nerve agent to kill leader's brother, says US (BBC).

WNU Editor: The focus of the international media today was on this story ..... Korea's Leaders Will Meet In April. North Korea Will Stop Nuclear And Missile Talks If U.S. Enters Into Negotiating .... and on the possibility that some agreement may be reached that will stop North Korea from pursuing its missile and nuclear programs. these new sanctions .... just a reminder to everyone to not forget who North Korean Kim Jung-Un really is.

China Delays A U.S. Request At The U.N. To Blacklist North Korean Companies And Ships

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a grand military parade celebrating the 70th founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army at the Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) February 9 2018. KCNA/via REUTERS

Reuters: At U.N., China delays U.S. bid to blacklist ships, companies over North Korea

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - China delayed a U.S. request for a United Nations Security Council committee to blacklist 33 ships, 27 shipping companies, and a Taiwan man for violating international sanctions on North Korea, diplomats said on Friday.

The United States submitted the request a week ago, a move it says is“aimed at shutting down North Korea’s illicit maritime smuggling activities to obtain oil and sell coal.”

The U.N. request coincided with the United States imposing its largest package of unilateral sanctions against North Korea on Friday, intensifying pressure on Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

China did not give a reason for placing a hold on the U.S. request. A hold can be lifted and is often used when a Security Council member wants more information, but sometimes it can lead to a permanent blocking of a proposed blacklisting.

The Security Council North Korea sanctions committee works on the basis of unanimity.

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WNU Editor: The Chinese want this to be the focus and not sanctions .... China Tells Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un to Start Talking (Newsweek).

Japan Posts New Evidence Of North Korean Ships Breaking Sanctions

Rappler

NK News: Japan publishes further evidence of North Korean ship-to-ship activity

DPRK vessel involved in illicit STS transfer was sanctioned by U.S. Treasury on Friday.

The Japanese government on Tuesday published further evidence of North Korean vessels engaged in ship-to-ship (STS) transfers on the high seas, a practice prohibited by UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions.

The posts on multiple government websites include photographs of the STS transfer taking place on the morning of February 24 between a North Korean ship and a vessel flying a Maldives flag.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Many are concerned that this is next .... US Prepares High-seas Crackdown on N.Korea Sanctions Evaders (Marine Link).

More News On Japan Posting New Evidence Of North Korean Ships Breaking Sanctions

Japan seeks help to block North Korea's smuggling at sea -- Nikkei Asian Review
Japan reports fresh suspected North Korea sanctions breach -- Rappler/AFP
Japan Suspects Yet Another North Korea Sanctions Breach at Sea -- US News and World Report/Reuters
Japan Suspects Another North Korea Sanctions Breach at Sea -- Marine Link
Japan Informs UNSC of Possible Violation of Anti-Pyongyang Sanctions at Sea -- Sputnik International
Japan wants US and South Korea to help surveil Pyongyang-linked sanctions evaders in East China Sea -- The Japan Times
These are the blacklisted vessels on Trump's new sanction list -- Shipping Watch UK

China Condemns New U.S. Sanctions On North Korea

VOA: China Reacts Angrily to New US Sanctions Against North Korea

China responded angrily Saturday to new sanctions the United States imposed on North Korea, maintaining they were counterproductive to efforts to halt Pyongyang's nuclear and long-range missile development programs.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday what he called the "largest ever" set of sanctions against North Korea and threatened a "phase two" if the measures weren't effective.

The sanctions target one person, 27 companies and 28 ships registered in China and seven other countries with the intent of eliminating North Korea's illicit shipping and trade. They block assets held by the companies in the U.S. and prohibit U.S. citizens from interacting with them.

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WNU Editor: The Chinese feel that they are being boxed in a corner .... and they are. They are being forced to make a decision on what is more important to them .... good political and trade relations with the U.S., or good political and trade relations with North Korea.

More News On Chinese Reaction To New U.S. Sanctions On North Korea

China says new U.S. sanctions threaten cooperation over North Korea -- Reuters
China tells US to stop unilateral North Korea actions -- DW
China: New US sanctions threaten cooperation over North Korea -- Al Jazeera
China slams new US sanctions ‘harming cooperation' on N. Korea -- RT
US seeks UN ban on 33 ships, 27 firms over North Korea smuggling -- AFP

U.S. Imposes More Sanctions On North Korea

Reuters: U.S. imposes more North Korea sanctions; targets ships, firms

WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - The United States said on Friday it was imposing its largest package of sanctions against North Korea, intensifying pressure on Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

In addressing the Trump administration’s biggest national security challenge, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned one person, 27 companies and 28 ships, according to a statement on the U.S. Treasury Department’s website.

The actions block assets held by the firms in the United States and prohibit U.S. citizens from dealing with them.

North Korea is seeking to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have taunted each other through the media and in August Trump threatened to go beyond sanctions by bringing “fire and fury like the world has never seen.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: It looks like the U.S. is also going to enforce these sanctions .... Exclusive: U.S. prepares high-seas crackdown on North Korea sanctions evaders - sources (Reuters)

More News On The U.S. Imposing More Sanctions On North Korea

U.S. imposes more North Korea sanctions, Trump warns of 'phase two' -- Reuters
US to impose 'largest ever' N Korea sanctions -- BBC
Trump announces 'heaviest ever' sanctions on North Korea -- AFP
US launches new sanctions against North Korea targeting dozens of shipping companies -- DW
Trump announces new North Korea sanctions -- The Hill
US asks UN to blacklist North Korean entities for smuggling -- AFP
Trump threatens to get 'very rough' against North Korea if 'heaviest sanctions ever imposed' don't succeed -- USA TODAY
Trump administration unveils sanctions aimed at starving North Korea of resources -- Washington Post
Toughest ever sanctions on NKorea? Not likely -- Washington Post

Iran And North Korea Protest That Their Olympic Athletes Will Not Be Given Samsung Smart Phones

Reuters: IOC clears Iran, North Korea for gift after Samsung phone row

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian and North Korean athletes at the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games will receive Samsung mobile phones, organizers said on Thursday, after Iran summoned South Korea’s ambassador over reports its athletes would not get the gifts.

News reports said 4,000 of the latest $1,100 Samsung smartphones were being given to athletes attending the Winter Games, but athletes from Iran and North Korea would be excluded because of sanctions against the two countries.

Responding to the furor, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said athletes from both countries would receive the phones but that the North Koreans would be asked not to take the devices home.

“The IOC will provide mobile phones to all athletes of all countries participating at the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018. These phones contain essential logistical and competition information for the athletes,” an IOC spokesperson said.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: At the end of the day .... the Iranian athletes can keep their Samsung phones, and the North Koreans have decided to not accept the phones.

More News On Iran And North Korea Protesting That Their Olympic Athletes Will Not Be Given Samsung Smart Phones

Ahead of Olympics, Iran and South Korea spar over Samsung phones and sanctions -- Washington Post
North Korean athletes can’t take Olympic-edition Samsung phones home with them -- The Verge
N. Korea declines to accept conditional handout of Samsung phone -- Yonhap News Agency
Iranian athletes to receive Samsung phones without condition -- Yonhap News Agency
Samsung caught in storm over phones for Iran's Olympic team -- CNN
Iran is angry its athletes weren't offered smartphones at the Winter Olympics and now it's a problem -- Business Insider

United Nations: North Korea Made $200 Million From Banned Exports In The Past Nine Months, And Is Working With Syria To Make Chemical And Ballistic Weapons

Inspections of ships have been stepped up, but the UN says more must be done

BBC: North Korea made $200m flouting sanctions, UN told

North Korea earned nearly $200m (£141m) last year by exporting banned commodities in breach of international sanctions, a UN report says.

The confidential report by a panel of experts said several countries including China, Russia and Malaysia had failed to stop the illegal exports.

It said there was evidence of military co-operation with Syria and Myanmar.

Pyongyang is subject to sanctions from the US, UN and EU over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

But the report, which was submitted to the UN Security Council and seen by news agencies, said the North "continued to export almost all the commodities prohibited in the resolutions... between January and September 2017".

Read more ....

WNU Editor: $200 million is no enough for any country to sustain itself.

More News On The United Nations Report That Is Claiming North Korea Made $200 Million From Banned Exports In The Past Nine Months

North Korea earned $200 MILLION in nine months from banned exports and is cooperating with Syria to make chemical and ballistic weapons, UN warns -- Daily Mail
N. Korea Got $200M From Banned Exports, Sends Arms to Syria, Myanmar, UN Says -- Voice of America
North Korea earned $200m from banned exports, says UN -- DH/AFP
UN report accuses North Korea of earning $200 million by violating sanctions -- CNN
UN experts say North Korea brought in $200M in 9 months despite sanctions -- CBS News
North Korea earned $200 million from banned exports: UN -- Deutsche Welle
North Korea arming Syria, Myanmar: UN report -- Aljazeera

Russian Ambassador: North Korea Would See A Blanket Ban Of Oil Supplies As A Declaration Of War

In this photo taken on July 21, 2017, a petrol station worker walks past a fuel truck in Pyongyang. Sanctions are reducing the amount of oil North Korea can import. (AFP PHOTO / Ed Jones)

RT: N. Korea would see blanket ban of oil supplies as declaration of war – Russian envoy

Imposing a total ban on oil exports to North Korea would mean a full blockade and will be considered as a declaration of war by Pyongyang, Russia's ambassador to North Korea has cautioned.

The UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously approved a new round of sanctions on the North in December last year, slashing the country’s oil and petroleum imports. The move was in response to Pyongyang's latest ballistic missile test launch.

Read more ....

More News On Russian Reports That North Korea Would See A Blanket Ban Of Oil Supplies As A Declaration Of War

Russia warns totally cutting oil supplies to North Korea would be seen by Pyongyang as act of war -- South China Morning Post
Russia Warns Against Cutting North Korea’s Oil Supply -- VOA
North Korea will declare WAR on US if Donald Trump imposes further sanctions, Russia warns -- Express
Russia Warns Against Cutting Off North Korea's Oil -- OilPrice.com

The CIA Is Conducting A Shadow War To Stop North Korean Smuggling

Popular Mechanics: The CIA's Shadow War Against North Korean Smuggling

Sanctions will fail if you don't enforce them by whatever means necessary.

Around the globe, U.S. intelligence agencies are playing an elaborte cat-and-mouse game against a network of smugglers and agents of the North Korean regime. The fight happens in the shadows but the stakes couldn’t be higher. Just last week, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on six North Korean ships, 16 individuals, and nine companies that it said had facilitated Pyongyang’s weapons programs.

Last week CIA Director Mike Pompeo cited the “remarkable creativity” by U.S. agents that led to stopping some shipments to North Korea. “We have officers all round the world working diligently to make sure we do everything we can to support the U.S. pressure campaign to tighten the sanctions,” he told a small crowd in Washington D.C.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: So true .... Sanctions will fail if you don't enforce them by whatever means necessary. This should have been U.S. policy years ago.