Iran, N. Korea resumed missile collaboration in 2020: UN report
North Korea and Iran resumed cooperation about the production of long-range missiles on 2020, according to a UN report that as well confirmed Pyongyang continues to violate many nuclear resolutions.
The annual report, made by an unbiased panel of UN experts, was submitted to the Security Council on Monday and seen by AFP.
It said Tehran denies such missile cooperation with North Korea.
But according to an unnamed member state, North Korea and Iran “possess resumed cooperation on long-range missile development assignments,” the report states.
“This resumed cooperation is thought to have included the transfer of critical parts, with recent shipment connected with this relationship occurring in 2020.”
The report’s experts monitor the multiple sanctions imposed on Pyongyang to try and force it to suspend its nuclear and ballistic weapons programs.
In a December 21 reply, Iran explained the “preliminary review of the information supplied to us by the (professionals) indicates that false information and fabricated data may have been used in investigations and analyses.”
In their assessment of North Korea, the experts said Pyongyang “maintained and developed its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.”
Pyongyang this past year announced preparation for tests and production of new ballistic missile warheads and expansion of tactical nuclear weapons.
“It produced fissile materials, maintained nuclear services and upgraded its ballistic missile infrastructure. It continuing to seek materials and technology for these courses from overseas,” the expert report states.
The authorities also investigated cases where North Korea acquired ships, sold fishing rights and continued to export coal in violation of sanctions.
North Korea’s border closure as a result of pandemic might have hampered those shipments, however.
The experts also discovered that North Korea had continued to import more refined petroleum than is allowed under its 500,000-barrel limit, sometimes through the use of “elaborate subterfuge.”
“According to imagery, data and calculations received right from a member state covering the period 1 January to 30 September, in 2020 these illicit shipments exceeded the total annual aggregate 500,000-barrel cap by many times,” the report states.
Last year, just like the year before, the US presented satellite imagery and data showing North Korea was surpassing its quotas.
China and Russia, North Korea’s main supporters, have rejected the US claims and state petroleum imports are actually much smaller.
