Explanation of vote following the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the 1718 Committee
Ambassador Robert Wood
Deputy Commissioner for Special Political Affairs
New-York, New-York
March 23, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you Mr President.
The United States would like to express its appreciation for today’s renewal of the Committee of Experts of the 1718 Committee for another year.
We are pleased that this resolution re-approves the mandate of the DPRK Panel of Experts, which provides credible, fact-based, independent assessments, analysis and recommendations related to the implementation of Security Council resolutions in relation to the DPRK.
This work has never been more important given the unprecedented number of DPRK provocations. And we are pleased to see that Resolution 2664, co-authored by the United States and Ireland, is being applied to the work of the 1718 Committee.
We discussed several proposals before the majority decided to go for a technical rollover. These include concerns about leaks, the internal workings and composition of the Panel, as well as improving the process for receiving periodic Panel assessments of DPRK ballistic missile progress, such as through briefings or incident reports.
While we have not been able to decide on a package that addresses all of these concerns, we look forward to continuing discussions on these important issues as part of the Committee’s regular work.
The resolution extending the mandate reiterated what several resolutions have stated – that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery remain a threat to international peace and security.
We are pleased that all Council members reaffirm this and look forward to continuing our work to address the threat posed by the DPRK’s illicit weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.
Thank you Mr President.
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