The United States and Japan pressed for a U.N. Security Council vote Friday on North Korea’s missile tests after some progress had been made in negotiations to bridge differences with China and Russia.
But other Western diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said China would veto the measure unless at least one key issue were resolved and that it preferred to wait until Saturday.
U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said not all Security Council members had instructions yet, “but I think the direction we are moving in is quite possibly to a vote today.”
“It is of course 10 days since the missile launches,” Bolton said, referring to seven launches on July 5.
The launches raised international tensions over North Korea’s nuclear program. Six-party international talks with North Korea over its nuclear ambitions have been stalled since last November.
China and Russia offered a rival draft U.N. resolution and negotiations have concentrated on merging the two. Diplomats said wording on sanctions to prevent a transfer of materials or funds for North Korea’s missile or nuclear programs had been agreed.
But the envoys, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the secrecy of the talks, said a main stumbling point remained a provision whether the resolution would be made under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which would make it mandatory.
Military action possible?
This provision can lead to military action — providing a second resolution approving force is adopted. China, backed by Russia, fears the provision could be cited as a justification for force even in the absence of a second resolution.
But Bolton said, “It is important to send a strong signal from the Security Council. We believe it should be a Chapter 7 resolution and that remains our view and the view of Japan.”
He noted that Chapter 7 had been used in countless resolutions when there is a threat to international peace and security, the main mission of the 15-member Security Council.
Japan has been pressing throughout the week for a vote before the Group of Eight industrial nations meet in Moscow. Their conference begins on Saturday.
A resolution needs a minimum of nine votes and no veto from any of the Security Council’s permanent members — the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China.
China and Russia on Wednesday introduced a milder rival resolution that eliminates Chapter 7 and makes the sanctions voluntary. Apparently, the sanctions language has now been toughened, negotiators reported.
The initial Chinese-Russian draft also called on but did not demand that Pyongyang to re-establish a moratorium on missile tests and requests.
