North Korea

North Korea Watch: United States and Japan Press for United Nations Security Council Vote

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Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso(L) shakes hands with US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill on 10 July 2006. The UN Security Council edged closer to a crucial vote on the North Korea missile tests amid signs of compromise, with all eyes on China, which has threatened to veto any mandatory punitive action against its Pyongyang ally.

Reuters: US pushes for North Korea vote

The United States and Japan pressed for a U.N. Security Council vote on Friday on North Korea’s missile tests after some progress had been made in negotiations to bridge differences with China and Russia.

But other Western diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said China would veto the measure unless at least one key issue was resolved and that it preferred to wait until Saturday.

U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said not all Security Council members had instructions yet, “but I think the direction we are moving in is quite possibly to a vote today.”

“It is of course 10 days since the missile launches,” Bolton said, referring to seven launches on July 5.

Do you really think that China and Russia want an adjudication of this matter while their Presidents are in the G-8 summit? Look for diplomatic stalling – even past Saturday.

France’s U.N. Ambassador, Jean-Marc de la Sabliere, who is a co-sponsor of the Japanese-drafted resolution as well as this month’s council president, said he hoped for an agreement on Friday on the basis of a modified Japanese text.

But asked if Saturday was a possibility, he said, “This kind of thing may happen.”

Diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the secrecy of the talks, said a main stumbling point remained a provision whether the resolution would be under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which would make it mandatory.

This provision can lead to military action — providing a second resolution approving force is adopted. China, backed by Russia, fears Chapter 7 could be cited as a justification for force even in the absence of a second resolution and says it is not necessary to make a resolution mandatory.

But Bolton said, “It is important to send a strong signal from the Security Council. We believe it should be a Chapter 7 resolution and that remains our view and the view of Japan.”

He noted that Chapter 7 had been used in countless resolutions when there is a threat to international peace and security, the main mission of the 15-member Security Council.

Japan has been pressing throughout the week for a vote before the Group of Eight industrial nations meet in St. Petersburg, Russia. Their conference begins on Saturday.

When Bush leaves Germany then look for a statement from China saying NO or VETO to any North Korea Chapter 7 resolution.

Update: UN envoys move closer to text on N. Korean missiles 

Still under negotiation is a provision putting the resolution under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which would make it mandatory.

Japan and the United States should push for an early vote tomorrow with a Chapter 7 resolution.  Anything less is unacceptable.  Make China VETO the resolution.  Flap’s guess is that China will stall rather than VETO.

Stay tuned……

Previous:

North Korea Watch: Japan Demands Vote on United Nations Resolution

North Korea Watch: China and Russia Introduce Rival “Weakened” North Korea Resolution

North Korea Watch: Iran Military Representatives Attended North Korea’s July 4 Taepodong-2 Missile Launch

North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts

North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks

North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed

North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution

North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea


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