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1. INTRODUCTION
The United Nations Security Council, as the primary body for managing crises, Has the authority to enforce
mandatory responsibilities on all 193 UN member Countries to uphold peace. Regular meetings are held
by the Council's five Permanent and ten elected members to evaluate global security threats, such as
Internal conflicts, environmental calamities, weapon proliferation, and acts of Terrorism.
The P5, consisting of the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom, are the Security
Council's five permanent members. They have the Authority to veto resolutions. The Council's ten elected
members, serving none Consecutive two-year terms, do not possess veto power. The privileged status
Of the P5 originates from the United Nations' establishment after World War II.
The Security Council's presidency changes monthly, allowing its ten none Permanent members to have
some influence in setting the agenda. These Members are elected by a two-thirds vote from the UN
General Assembly. Eligibility is based on contributions to international peace and security, which Can
include financial or troop support for peacekeeping operations or Leadership in regional security matters
that may come before the Security Council.
1. PLAN
2. Introduction
3. Historical background
[Link] interests are infringed?
5. Recent developments
6. Main players and their positions into what groups are countries divided in the solution of the problem?
7. Key documents
8. What solutions has the UN proposed in the past?
9. QARMA (Questions A Resolution Must Address)
10. Links for further research
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INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC:
The subject of sub-regional security on the Korean peninsula goes global again. The beginning of 2013
was marked by the harsh response of the DPRK establishment on Insecurity Council Resolution 2087 and
the third nuclear test held by this state over the last seven years. The reaction of the Security Council was
quite consistent: UN resolutions imposed serious sanctions on the DPRK. However, the deterioration of the
situation did not stop at this point. As far as the urgency of the problem is concerned, one can refer to the
tensions in the international relations on the Korean peninsula that historically were strong, especially
since the beginning of the 21st century. Controversies and gaps divide the Democratic People’s Republic
of Korea and the Republic of Korea in the spheres of ideology, social and economic development as well
as their positions on the global arena. All in all, it is an issue of regional importance that threatens to
develop into a large-scale conflict. One of the most significant factors for that matter is the involvement
of the bigger states, major powers like U.S., Japan, Russia and PRC. It is not only the territorial closeness
that predetermines their interest, but also certain a geopolitical subdivision that still exists in the post-
bipolar world. For instance, on the one hand, it is the "axis of evil" rhetoric used by George W Bush’s
administration (according to which North Korea was considered to be "a regime arming with missiles and
weapons of mass destruction, while starving its citizens"); while, on the other hand, North Korean
leadership keeps claiming that it only needs nuclear program for self-defense against "imperialist
invaders". It is up to the delegates to take a common stand and agree on the practical steps to help
resolve the problem.
Source: [Link]
Source: [Link]
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
It was in 1948 that two states (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Republic of Korea respectively)
were founded on the Korean peninsula. North Korea is located on the northern part of the peninsula and
it extends from China south to the 38th parallel of latitude. South Korea then extends from that area and
encompasses the rest of the Korean Peninsula. To be more specific, at the end of the World War II, Korea
was divided into northern and southern portions at the 38th parallel by the Allies at the Potsdam
Conference. The United States was to administer the southern part, while the USSR administered the
northern area. This division started the conflicts between the two areas of Korea because the northern
region followed the USSR and became communist, while the south opposed this form of government and
formed a strong anti-communist, capitalist government. As a result, in July of 1948, the anti-communist
southern region drafted a constitution and began to hold national elections. On August 15, 1948, the
Republic of Korea (South Korea) was officially founded and Syngas Rhee was elected as president. Shortly
thereafter Kim Il-Sung established a Communist North Korean Government called the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). Once the two Koreas were formally established, Rhee and
Il-Sung worked to reunify Korea. This caused conflicts though because each wanted to unify the area
under their own political system and rival governments were established. By 1950, the conflicts on the
border of North and South Korea led to the beginning of the Korean War. The U.S. and its allies heavily
supported South Korea, whereas the USSR and China assisted DPRK. But by July 27, 1953, peace
negotiations ended and the Demilitarized Zone was formed. Shortly thereafter, an Armistice Agreement
was signed by the Korean People's Army, the Chinese People's Volunteers and the United Nations
Command, which was led by the U.S. South Korea, however, never signed the agreement and to this day
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an official peace treaty has never been signed between North and South Korea. The state of affairs has
become especially complicated since the DPRK withdrew from the NPT (in 2003) and claimed that it
obtained nuclear weapons at the beginning of 21st century (having officially declared it in 2009). Former
IAEA Director Mohamed El Abrade considers the DPRK to be a "fully fledged nuclear power", possessing
around 6-18 nuclear weapons (estimated). The negotiation process, initiated in early 2000s and
implemented in the six-party talks format, could not prevent difficulties caused by the DPRK’s nuclear
tests in 2006, 2009 and2013, repeated missile launches (delivery systems tests), bombardment of Yeung
peon in 2010.
The problem was discussed at UNSC meetings, being the subject of a number of its resolutions (see
below).
WHOSE INTERESTS ARE INFRINGED? WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF
THE PROBLEM?
DPRK
Causing the main reason for the meeting, DPRK is trying to strengthen its positions in the region, holding
nuclear tests and launching missiles, promoting thus the principle of self-reliance (so-called Juche
policy).
Russia
Sharing a 17 km border with North Korea and a long history of relations with this country (in particular
taking into consideration the Soviet period), Russia is also a party to the bilateral treaty on Friendship,
Good-Neighborly Relations and Cooperation with DPRK.
PRC.
China
is, perhaps, one of the most important partners for DPRK (ideology is one of the main grounds for that),
participating in the Sino-North Korean treaty; however, their bilateral relations were worsened by a border
conflict (that dispute has been solved, as of now).
South Korea
It is rather a prosperous country with a developed and diversified market economy, strongly relying on the
security guarantees provided by its American partners, but also having its own armed forces, with
reported personnel strength of around 3.5 million (including reserves).
U.S
The United States are bound with bilateral agreements with the Republic of Korea and Japan with the aim
to promote peace and security in the region as an international mission
Source: [Link]
Source: [Link]
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The uncertainty surrounding the actions of Pyongyang deepened with the announcement by state media
on December 19, 2011, that its ailing ruler, Kim Jong-Il, had died of a heart attack on a train on December
17. Kim Jong-un, the youngest and previously least-known son of Kim Jong-Il, was declared to be the
country’s next leader. North Korea said the “great successor” as the younger Kim has been called, would
faithfully follow his father’s son gun, or “military-first,” policy, which has raised tensions with Washington
and Seoul. In his first six months as leader, Kim quickly alienated the Western community and put North
Korea on track to develop a nuclear warhead that could hit the United States within a few years. By
October 2012, North Korea claimed to have missiles that could reach the American mainland. Most
surprising, though, is how Kim has thumbed his nose at China, whose economic largess keeps the
government afloat. In December 2012, North Korea launched a satellite aboard a long-range rocket. The
satellite appeared to be tumbling in orbit and was most likely dead. In January 2013, after the Pyongyang
missile test held in December 2012, UN SC adopted a rather strict resolution, expanding sanctions against
DPRK. In February 2013, the government announced that it had conducted its third, long-threatened
nuclear test, posing a new challenge for the regional security ("NY Times").
March 2013 is marked with a sharp deterioration of the inter-Korean relations and one more round of
tension. After yet another missile test, wreck of the North Korean carrier-rocket splashes down into the
territorial waters of South Korea in close proximity to the shore near Incheon (casualties reported). In
response to the criticism on the part of international community, in particular, the "flagrant violation of the
standards of international law" statement made by the U.S. Secretary of State, the DPRK depredates
Washington’s and Seoul’s "imperialistic intentions", threatening to open hostilities. North Korean
authorities ostentatiously deploy artillery-type weapons and commence unscheduled military
maneuvers on the territory of the isles situated near Yen Peon Island. Thereafter, the U.S. (under the Mutual
Defense Treaty with South Korea guarantees) pull in the United Stated Navy ships to the peninsula and
issue the ultimatum according to which the U.S. reserve the right to use military force if DPRK fails to meet
the requirement within a week. The PRC and Russia are against such a scenario. The situation is
aggravated with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-e Urn’s serious disease. UN Security Council
assembles at the extraordinary session, with the purpose to compromise and prevent the military
development of events.
MAIN PLAYERS AND THEIR POSITIONS
• Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The DPRK’s
Representatives explain that such actions are an "adequate response" to the "imperialistic intentions" of
South Korea and its allies (U.S. in the first place).
• Republic of Korea.
After the recent inauguration of the newly elected president Park Geun-hye, the country attends to the
U.S., with the request to undertake certain steps so as to prevent the DPRK from attacking South Korea.
• People’s Republic of China.
The Chinese government prefers to hold hands in this situation and wait for the further developments
(although China and DPRK are interconnected by a treaty).
Japan.
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Japan’s supports the Republic of Korea’s desire to involve the American troops in the region in order to
deter the probable military clash. The possibility of the maritime conflict with China and tense relations
with DPRK also reflect on Japan’s position.
• Russian Federation.
Some experts (e.g.
Malashenko) say that Russia’s position is heavily dependent on the situation in its domestic affairs. Russia
would rather try to build dialogue with both sides as a mediator, keeping in mind its own national interest.
• United States of America.
The new Minister of Defense, Chuck Hagel, and a group of Senate "hawks" approached Obama and talked
him into showing North Korean militarists "who’s the boss", concerned both about the attention of the
American population’s internal problems and active development in the DPRK’s military program.
INTO WHAT GROUPS ARE COUNTRIES DIVIDED IN THE SOLUTION
OF THE PROBLEM?
The relevance of the Korean issue for the agenda can also be proven by the keen interest that the global
actors take in finding ways of the conflict resolution. Basically, major players can roughly be divided into
three groups in this situation (nevertheless, this is rather vague, as nearly all of the previous UNSC
resolutions were adopted unanimously).-
It is believed that North Korea is traditionally supported by the PRC and to some extent Russian Federation.
These states would not tolerate the strengthening positions of the U.S. in the region, let alone military
intervention. However, taking into account that neither Russia nor China exercised their right of veto when
voting on the previous resolutions (moreover, both Russia and the PRC condemned the nuclear test held
by
DPRK in February 2013), it is still not clear whether they are going to advocate for North Korea this time.-
The U.S., Japan and European states -members of NATO (Western world, in the wide sense) are, as usual,
on South Korea’s side
There is no doubt that the international community should react to the events in order to prevent possible
aggression on the part of North Korea. But the controversial thing is that the state of affairs can be
exploited by some powers as a means of expansion of their influence in this part of the world.-As for other
countries’ positions, it depends on their understanding of the situation and the ability to orientate
themselves in the short term (they can enhance their international standing in this situation, maybe even
earn definite economic benefits)
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KEY DOCUMENTS
• NPT
(The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; signed July 1, 1968,entered into force March 5,
1970; main goal: to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote
cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear
disarmament and general and complete disarmament)
• CTBT
(The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty; adopted by UN GA September 10, 1996, not entered into
force yet; main goal: to ban all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes)
• Mutual Defense Treaty
(Between U.S. and Republic of Korea; signed October 1, 1953;The U.S. created an alliance with South Korea,
and established the basis of South Korean adherence with U.S. Government consultations on North
Korean policy)
• The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan (Between U.S. and
Japan; signed January 19, 1960)
• The Sino-North Korean Mutual Aid and Cooperation Friendship Treaty (Between North Korea and the
People's Republic of China; signed July 11, 1961, prolonged in 1981 and 2001)
• Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborly Relations and Cooperation (Between Russia and North Korea,
signed February 9, 2000)
WHAT SOLUTIONS HAS THE UN PROPOSED IN THE PAST?
• Resolution 825 (May 11, 1993)
The Security Council adopted a resolution calling upon North Korea to reconsider withdrawing from the
Treaty on Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The resolution urges North Korea to honor its
non-proliferation obligations under the Treaty.
• Resolution 1540 (April 28, 2004)
• Resolution 1540 affirms that proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their
means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The Security Council urges all
States to take additional effective measures to prevent proliferation, including nuclear, chemical or
biological weapons and their means of delivery.
• Resolution 1695 (July 15, 2006)
In this resolution, the Security Council explicitly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
(DPRK) nuclear weapons program. While calling for a diplomatic solution tithe situation, the Council
demands that the DPRK cuts back its missile launches, which jeopardize peace and security in the region.
In addition, Resolution 1695 bans all member states from transactions with North Korean involving
material, technology or financial resources transfer connected to DPRK's missiles or weapons of mass
destruction programs.
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• Resolution 1718 (October 14, 2006)
The Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, unanimously imposed sanctions on
North Korea, in reaction of Pyongyang's nuclear test. After arduous negotiations, this softer version
establishes an embargo on military and technological materials, as well as luxury goods, but does not
include reference to military intervention as the US proposed initially. Furthermore, the resolution
demands the freezing of North Korea's financial assets with the exception of funds necessary to meet
basic needs.
Resolution 1874 (June 12, 2009)
The resolution, passed under Chapter VII, Article 41, of the UN Charter, imposed further economic and
commercial sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (the DPRK, or North Korea) and
encourages UN member states to search North Korean cargo, in the aftermath of an underground
nuclear test conducted on 25 May 2009.
Resolution 1928
• (June 7, 2010)
After recalling previous resolutions on the topics of North Korea and nuclear weapons, the Council
extended the mandate of a panel of experts monitoring sanctions against the country until June 12, 2011.
The Security Council determined that the proliferation and delivery of nuclear, chemical and biological
weapons constituted a threat to international peace and security. Acting under Chapter VII of the United
Nations Charter, the Council extended the mandate of the expert panel established in Resolution 1874 to
monitor the newly-strengthened sanctions regime against North Korea, imposed after an underground
nuclear test conducted in May [Link] panel was requested to provide a report by November 12, 2010
and a second report 30 days prior to the termination of its current mandate with its findings and
recommendations.
• Resolution 1985 (June 10, 2011)
After recalling previous resolutions on the topics of North Korea and nuclear weapons, the Council
extended the mandate of an expert panel monitoring sanctions against the country
• Until June 12, 2012. China had blocked the release of the previous report of the expert panel after it
accused North Korea of violating the sanctions.
Resolution 2050 (June 12, 2012)
This document extends the UN's mandate to monitor nuclear, chemical and biological weapons
possessed by North Korea.
• Resolution 2087 (January 22, 2013)
After recalling all previous relevant resolutions on the situation concerning North Korea, the Council
condemned the December 12, 2012 rocket launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The new
resolution saw the rocket launch as a violation of earlier sanctions imposed by the UN in 2006 (Resolution
1718) and strengthened in 2009 (Resolution 1874)
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QARMA
1. What is the primary goal that a resolution should aim for in addressing the problems related to the
Korean peninsula conflict?
2. How does the resolution intend to contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, aligning with the
principles reflected in the Charter of the United Nations?
3. What should be the proper reaction of the global community to the actions of the North Korean
government, as emphasized in the resolution?
4. Why is it advisable for the resolution to confirm adherence to the previous decisions of the Security
Council regarding North Korea?
5. In light of the DPRK's claim that it would open hostilities if UN sanctions were broadened, what
considerations should be taken into account while framing the resolution?
6. What is the significance of lessening the probability of combat operations in the resolution, especially
considering the possession of nuclear weapons by both sides?
7. is there a need to address sensitive problems such as the possible reunification of Korea in the
resolution, and why is this considered a potential factor in the resolution process?
8. How does the resolution aim to balance and compromise between the conflicting interests of the
involved nations in the Korean peninsula issue?
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ADDITIONAL LINKS
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