By Ahmet Gencturk
ATHENS (AA) – The EU announced on Friday sanctions against nine North Korean individuals and entities allegedly involved in the country’s weapons program and support for Russian war efforts in Ukraine.
“The Council today sanctioned a further six individuals and three entities in view of sanctions evasion activities carried out by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) that could generate funds for its illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, in violation of and with flagrant disregard for the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and in view of the military support given by the DPRK to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine” the EU Council said in a statement.
“Those will be subject to an asset freeze and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of those listed is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the European Union will apply to the listed individuals,” according to the statement.
Urging North Korea “to cease destabilizing actions, comply with its obligations under international law and resume dialogue with relevant parties,” the statement revealed that today’s decision brought the total number of persons listed autonomously by the EU to 77 individuals and 20 entities.