display
New York (AP) - North Korea is pushing ahead with its nuclear program despite international sanctions, according to an internal UN report.
The autocracy has continued to maintain and develop “its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in violation of the resolutions of the UN Security Council”, according to a report by a United Nations expert committee that is available to the dpa.
Even if neither nuclear nor ballistic missile tests were reported in 2020, North Korea continues to produce “fissile material, maintain nuclear facilities and improve its ballistic missile infrastructure”.
In the meantime, it is looking for the necessary materials and know-how abroad, it said.
display
The nuclear program is apparently financed, among other things, by hacking activities carried out directly by the North Korean secret service.
These had recently targeted “virtual asset paths and asset managers” and defense companies.
In addition, the country of ruler Kim Jong Un has systematically circumvented the UN sanctions, including the limited import of processed oil and other materials, for example by transferring goods between ships at sea.
The UN experts also stress in the report that the leadership in Pyongyang shows "new ballistic missile systems with short range, medium range, submarine launch capabilities and ICBMs" during military parades.
The government has also announced the testing and production of new warheads for ballistic missiles and the development of tactical nuclear weapons.
Isolated because of its nuclear weapons program, the country has been developing and testing various types of missiles of all ranges that can be launched from land or water for many years.
Submarine missiles are more difficult to catch by the enemy.
display
North Korea's most recent military parade, and previously the eight-day party congress, were held shortly before the inauguration of the new US President Joe Biden - at a time when negotiations between the US and North Korea over its nuclear program were stuck.
During the Congress, Kim described the United States as the “main enemy”.
He also announced that his country would strengthen nuclear deterrence with new weapons, including new ICBMs.
Biden's predecessor Donald Trump was unable to influence Kim's nuclear program despite several meetings with Kim.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210209-99-358915 / 2