© KCNA / Reuters
Official North Korean Central News Agency image shows the demolition of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site
Official North Korean Central News Agency image shows the demolition of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site
The leaked report is said to be a six-month review by independent experts monitoring the implementation of United Nations sanctions on North Korea, and was submitted to the relevant UN committee late on Friday.
The paper, as cited by Reuters, alleges that Pyongyang has not abandoned its pursuit of missile and nuclear programs. It is also violating UN sanctions by exporting weapons to a "range of Middle East [and] African states," including to the Houthi rebels fighting against Saudi Arabia in Yemen, and has shipped coal, petroleum and textile products, all made illicit by the sanctions regime.
Comment: This is just another attempt to derail the peace process with North Korea. Kim did NOT agree to halt North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. That was never part of the agreement, and everyone should know that. The agreement was to work in that direction, with each side mutually taking steps to deescalate. Kim would be stupid to halt his deterrence programs without any parallel steps by the U.S. And until that time, the programs will continue. But there are certain elements in the military, intelligence and media who do not want peace. Thus reports like the above, designed to make it appear as if Kim is violating the terms set out in his agreement with Trump.