(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae welcomes unanimous passage of N. Korea sanctions resolution
(ATTN: UPDATES with additional remarks, more details in paras 7-10)
SEOUL, Aug. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's presidential office Cheong Wa Dae hailed the new U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolution on North Korea on Sunday, noting the resolution, which imposes fresh sanctions against the communist state, has also been supported by China and Russia, Pyongyang's two closest allies.
"In the past, it took an average three months for China to express its support for a UNSC resolution," a ranking Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters, while speaking on condition of anonymity.
"This time, it took only about a month for China to agree to a new sanctions resolution," the official said.
The remarks came hours after the highest decision-making group of the world body unanimously passed the new sanctions resolution against the North, which may cut the impoverished nation's annual exports by up to one-third or some US$1 billion.
The U.S.-drafted resolution came after the North test-fired what it claims to have been an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 4. Pyongyang test launched another ICBM on July 28.
"Starting July 28, the UNSC resolution was passed only in about a week," the Cheong Wa Dae official noted.
U.S. President Donald Trump earlier called the resolution the "single largest economic sanctions package ever on North Korea."
Still, the latest UNSC resolution against the North, the eighth of its kind, was widely considered only partially effective as UNSC members failed to reach an agreement on a U.S.-proposed ban on oil exports to the North, reportedly due to Chinese opposition.
The Cheong Wa Dae official insisted the resolution was more meaningful in that it was endorsed by all UNSC members, including China and Russia.
"Most of all, we believe it is much more important to stress the fact that it was passed by a unanimous vote instead of the oil export ban omission," the official said.
"And that is why I wish to note China and Russia too are taking this issue very seriously."
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Thailand seeks extradition of S. Korean suspect in Pattaya murder
-
Paik Kun-woo's 1st Mozart album: a return to musical roots
-
N. Korea's Kim, daughter attend ceremony for new street in Pyongyang
-
(2nd LD) N. Korea says it test-fired tactical ballistic missile with new guidance technology
-
N. Korea slams U.N. members' sanctions enforcement as 'provocations'
-
Paik Kun-woo's 1st Mozart album: a return to musical roots
-
Yoon's office vows to firmly respond to unfair treatment of S. Korean companies amid Japan's pressure on Naver
-
N.K leader visits newly built ruling party training school
-
N. Korea slams U.N. members' sanctions enforcement as 'provocations'
-
S. Korea, Malaysia discuss arms industry cooperation in Kuala Lumpur
-
(Yonhap Feature) S. Korean women scramble for 'safe breakup' after series of femicides by ex-boyfriends
-
NewJeans members submit petitions over court injunction in Hybe-ADOR conflict
-
(2nd LD) N. Korea says it test-fired tactical ballistic missile with new guidance technology
-
Putin briefed on tourist exchanges with N. Korea, prep for visit under way: Kremlin
-
U.S. military commander in S. Korea during Gwangju uprising dies