ACCORDING to a confidential United Nations assessment seen by AFP on Saturday, despite international sanctions, North Korea continued to develop its nuclear and missile programs last year.
Pyongyang has been under several sanctions relating to its weapons programs, including export bans on coal, iron, lead, textiles, seafood, and a variety of other products.
While no nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile launches were reported last year, sanctions monitors found that North Korea continued to develop “its capability for production of nuclear fissile materials,” according to the report, which was shared with the 15 UN Security Council’s members.
“Maintenance and development of DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure continued, and DPRK continued to seek material, technology and know-how for these programs overseas, including through cyber-means and joint scientific research,” said the report, using the initials of North Korea’s official name.
According to the document, North Korea used cyberattacks, particularly on cryptocurrency assets, as a major source of government revenue.
Last year, UN experts noted a significant improvement in the quality of illicit refined petroleum imports, “but at a level much lower than that of previous years.”
While Western countries have consistently advocated for further sanctions against Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow have called for sanctions to be eased on humanitarian grounds and for more flexibility in dealing with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Pyongyang however, carried out an unprecedented seven weapons tests in January, including the launch of its most powerful missile since 2017, and hinted that nuclear and long-range missile tests could be resumed.
