Report of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UNSC on the measures taken on the implementation of the provisions of resolution 2321 (2016) which imposes new restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
17 March 2017 News
On March 14, 2017, a report on the behalf of the Republic of Bulgaria on the measures undertaken for the implementation of UNSC resolution 2321 (2016), which imposes new restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK),was submitted to the UN Security Council.
The report stresses, that Bulgaria has been consistently undertaking the necessary measures to implement the Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions on the DPRK: 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), 2094 (2013), 2270 (2016), including resolution 2321 (2016), of which Bulgaria is a co-sponsor.
The Republic of Bulgaria and the other EU Member States have jointly implemented the newrestrictive measures against the DPRK by Council Decision 2016/2217/CFSPof 8 December 2016, by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU)2016/2215 of 8 December 2016, by Council Decision2017/345/CFSPof 27 February 2017 and by Council Regulation (EU) 2017/330 of 27 February 2017, which entirely transposethe provisions of resolution 2321 (2016).
Bulgaria implements the imposed new restrictions on transactions in coal, iron and iron ore from the DPRK, on imports of copper, nickel, silver, zinc and on statues from the DPRK,ban on export of new helicopters and vessels to the DPRK and has undertaken measures to tighten the restriction in the transport and the financial sector.
Bulgaria complies with the provisions for control and inspections of the passengers and all cargo within or transiting through its territory. The Bulgarian airlines have been informed of the ban on leasing and chartering of aircrafts and crew services. Bulgaria has not and will not issue permits to flight to DPRK-flagged aircrafts landing at or taking off airports located in the Republic of Bulgaria or flying over its territory; no maintenance has been performed to such aircrafts and accordingly no fuel has been provided toDPRK-flagged aircrafts at the Bulgarian airports. DPRK-flagged aircrafts will not be provided with such services in accordance with the restrictions imposed by resolution 2321 (2016).
Based on the conducted review of the cooperation in the field of education and science between Bulgaria and DPRK it has been ascertained that there are no North Korean citizens studying in disciplines which can contribute to the DPRK’s proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities or ballistic missile-related programmes. The Bulgarian competent authorities are provided with information of the provisions of the resolutions and the coordination between them is enhanced in order to monitor the implementation of the resolution on this issue.
The Republic of Bulgaria has informed North Korea about the restrictions of the resolution in relation to the use of real estate property owned by the DPRK for any purpose other than diplomatic activities and has asked the DPRK to take measures to implement the provision.
Measures have been undertaken to reduce the number of the staff at the DPRK diplomatic mission in Sofia, in implementation of resolution 2321 (2016).
Bulgaria will continue to undertake all the necessary measures to implement UNSC resolution 2321 (2016).
The Republic of Bulgaria attaches great importance to maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia, strictly adheres to the positions of the international community for denuclearization and establishing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Bulgaria is concerned by the escalation of tension on the Korean Peninsula and calls fora peaceful solution through diplomatic channels.