1. The Government of the Republic of Korea welcomes the EU’s announcement on May 27 of the European Council decision to impose unprecedentedly strong and comprehensive unilateral(autonomous) sanctions on North Korea.

2. The Government of the Republic of Korea notes with appreciation the EU’s decision as one that reflects the united position of the 28 member states of the EU that not only a thorough implementation of UN Security Council resolutions but also tough unilateral sanctions are necessary for North Korea to denuclearize and make substantive changes.

3. In particular, the Government of the Republic of Korea takes note of the EU’s decision to put in place such strong effective measures as expanding the list of items banned from importation from North Korea; expanding the list of luxury items banned from importation from North Korea; banning any public financial support for trade with North Korea; strengthening control over transfers of funds to and from North Korea and financial services for North Korea; and prohibiting any aircraft operated by North Korean carriers or originating from North Korea from landing in, taking off or overflying EU territory; prohibiting any vessel owned, operated or crewed by North Korea from entering EU ports.

4. The Government of the Republic of Korea will further step up coordination with the international community, including the EU, on sanctioning and pressuring North Korea in order to create an environment where North Korea cannot but abandon its nuclear program.


* unofficial translation