24.02.2025 08:21
North Korea challenged 11 countries, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which have taken action for the full implementation of UN sanctions against it, stating, "The illegal moves by enemy forces that promote anti-North Korea sanctions will lead our country to make a behavioral counter-defense move, and the enemies will have to pay a heavy price."
The first meeting of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), established by 11 countries including the USA and aimed at ensuring the full implementation of UN sanctions against North Korea, received a strong reaction from North Korea.
"MSMT IS AN ILLEGAL ORGANIZATION"
In a statement from the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was claimed that MSMT is an "illegal" organization that does not contribute to international peace and security, stating, "The attempt by hostile forces to prevent North Korea from exercising its legitimate rights in violation of fundamental legal principles such as respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of others is a foolish endeavor. We warn that this could lead to serious negative consequences that would be difficult for the enemies to cope with."
In the statement, which claimed that the USA and its allies would be increasingly disturbed by North Korea as they resort to sanctions, it was stated, "Preventing sanctions through negotiations has never been an option for North Korea and is not on our agenda." The statement emphasized that the sanctions have proven how North Korea can survive under the most severe conditions, stating, "Sanctions have become a decisive factor in accelerating the construction of a great power that cannot be ignored by anyone."
"NORTH KOREA WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ITS DEFENSE CAPABILITIES"
The statement reminded that North Korea has no demand for the lifting of sanctions against it, saying, "We will never ignore the attempts by the USA and its allies to violate our country's sovereignty under the pretext of imposing sanctions and will resolutely fight against them." It was stated that North Korea will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities, and it was expressed, "The illegal moves by hostile forces promoting sanctions against North Korea will lead our country to take behavioral counter-defense actions, and the enemies will have to pay a heavy price."
THE FIRST MEETING WAS HELD IN WASHINGTON
MSMT, established by the governments of the USA, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, aimed at ensuring the full implementation of UN sanctions against North Korea, held its first executive board meeting in Washington, the capital of the USA. In the joint statement released after the meeting, it was stated, "The states participating in MSMT are committed to maintaining international peace and security, continuing the policy of preventing the proliferation of global nuclear weapons, and preventing threats arising from North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs."
The statement emphasized that MSMT is determined to fully implement the UN Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea, stating, "We once again reiterate that the path of dialogue is open and call on all states to support global efforts to maintain international peace and security against threats from North Korea and those facilitating its violations of UN Security Council resolutions."