U.S. Urges North Korea to Reject Provocation and Embrace Dialogue

“Alternative sanctions panel against North Korea, considering all options”

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield affirmed, “The United States has unequivocally communicated our lack of hostile intentions towards North Korea,” emphasizing, “We consistently urge North Korea to refrain from provocations and embrace dialogue.”

While in South Korea, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield toured the DMZ in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on the 16th, reiterating, “We have consistently maintained an open door for meaningful diplomacy and are willing to engage in sincere, constructive dialogue without any preconditions.” Her persistent advocacy for dialogue underscores the importance of North Korea’s response.

Due to Russia’s veto, the UN Security Council’s North Korea Sanctions Committee Panel of Experts will stop operations. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said, “We are reviewing all possible options within and outside the UN system for alternatives to the monitoring regime.” She affirmed openness to considering scenarios without Russia and China. Thomas-Greenfield seeks to continue the panel’s crucial work in collaboration with countries like South Korea and Japan. Regarding the format of the new alternative, she added, “We must consider all possibilities, whether it is the UN General Assembly or a system outside the UN.”

In addressing Russia and China’s support of illicit actions through their Security Council status, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized, “Russia and China should change their positions, and we urge North Korea to choose diplomacy.”