End of U.N. North Korea panel creates gap in sanctions monitoring

After Russian veto, U.S. and allies seek ways to keep eye on Pyongyang

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits with his country's troops. North Korea has thanked Russia for vetoing the extension of the United Nations' sanctions-monitoring expert panel. (KCNA via Reuters) © Reuters

JUNNOSUKE KOBARA, RIEKO MIKI and SHOGO KODAMA, Nikkei staff writers

May 8, 2024 04:55 JST

SEOUL/TOKYO -- The abrupt disbanding of an expert panel tasked with monitoring North Korean compliance with United Nations sanctions has raised concerns that Pyongyang will have a free hand to ramp up its nuclear weapons and missile development.

The Panel of Experts ended its activities in late April when its mandate expired. Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, had vetoed an extension.