North Korea continues to build nuclear arsenal and missile capabilities despite sanctions, UN report says

Kim Jong-un is far from having given up on his arsenal. North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear weapons and missile capabilities for a year despite international sanctions imposed on Pyongyang, says a confidential UN report to which AFP had access on Saturday (February 5th). In terms of armaments, which the international community is trying to limit, Pyongyang “continued to maintain and develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of Security Council resolutions”, emphasizes this annual document which has just been submitted to the 15 members of the UN Security Council.

“Although no nuclear tests or intercontinental missile launches were reported, North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear fissile material production capability.”, adds the report produced by the UN experts responsible for monitoring the arms embargo and the international economic sanctions imposed on North Korea. For a year, Pyongyang “demonstrated increased rapid deployment capabilities, high mobility (including at sea) and improved resilience of its missile forces”, also note the experts.

“Maintenance and development of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure continued.” And this country, ruled with an iron fist by Communist dictator Kim Jong-un, “continued to seek equipment, technology and know-how for these programs abroad, in particular through computer means and joint scientific research”, say the experts.