MOSCOW: Russia considers South Korea’s choice to impose sanctions towards Russian people and entities as an “unfriendly” transfer and can reply sooner or later, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova mentioned on Wednesday (Apr 3).
South Korea has imposed sanctions towards two Russian vessels which it says had been carrying army cargo to North Korea. Seoul mentioned on Tuesday it had additionally sanctioned two Russian organisations and two Russian residents linked to Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programmes.
“This is an unfriendly move by Seoul and is deeply regrettable. The imposition of – I emphasise – illegitimate sanctions will have a negative impact on relations with Russia,” Zakharova informed reporters at her weekly briefing.
“Russia is developing good neighbourly ties with friendly North Korea in accordance with the norms of international law, without harming the national security of (South Korea),” she added.
Ties between Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened following North Korean chief Kim Jong Un’s go to to Russia’s far east final 12 months.
Last week Russia vetoed the annual renewal of a panel of consultants monitoring enforcement of United Nations sanctions towards North Korea over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile packages.
The transfer got here amid US-led accusations that North Korea has transferred weapons to Russia to be used in its battle in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the accusations however vowed final 12 months to deepen army relations.
Zakharova on Wednesday reiterated that Moscow remained dedicated to UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea “in their entirety” however added that sanctions on Pyongyang weren’t working as supposed.
“It is clearly seen that endless sanctions are completely useless for achieving the designated goals. They lead to a financial and economic blockade of an entire state with all the ensuing consequences for the population,” she mentioned.
Zakharova accused the United States of searching for to foment “instability” on the Korean peninsula.
“South Korea apparently lacks the immunity to protect itself from Washington’s external influence,” she added.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/russia-says-new-south-korean-sanctions-are-unfriendly-will-respond-4240326
