Statement on the North Korea Sanctions Committee (UNSCR 1718)

USUN PRESS RELEASE # 004 (07)

Mr. President,

First, the United States would like to commend Ambassador Burian for his superb leadership in chairing the 1718 Committee. Ambassador Burian provided steady guidance to members in the Committe's first weeks and conducted his duties with great professionalism and respect for the interests of all Committee members throughout his tenure. My delegation recognizes the tireless efforts you dedicated to the successful functioning of the Committee, and we greatly appreciate your committment.

The United States is concerned that several important issues on the Committee's agenda remain unresolved. Several delegations, including my own, have proposed amendments to the lists of items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology prohibited from export to, or import from, North Korea.

For the sake of the credibility of the Committee and this sanctions regime, we wish to see these amendments adopted as quickly as possible. The United States stands ready to work constructively with our fellow committee members to reach agreement on the outstanding proposals.

My delegation also believes the Committee's guidelines should be completed as soon as possible, no later than the end of January. Guidelines can be a useful tool for the decision-making of the Committee, but their adoption is not a pre-condition for Committee or Council action.

The U.S. supports informal meetings to reach consensus on the main pending issues related to the Committee guidelines.

Finally, the United States intends to propose several entities to the 1718 Committee in the very near future and hopes that the submission will be considered expeditiously for designation pursuant to subparagraph 8 (d) of resolution 1718.

Thank you, Mr. President.