The Director of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) rejected an approach and possible nuclear deal between Russia and North Koreafocused on the trade of weapons technology of this type.
Rafael Grossi He said in an interview with the news agency Yonhap that it cannot be endorsed that a weapons state, such as Russia, “engages in the trade or transfer of any nuclear weapons technology to a de facto country outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty”.
It should be noted that Moscow is a signatory to this agreement and, therefore, must comply with its obligations. Likewise, he is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, something that, despite his ties to Pyongyang, Grossi hopes “will remain that way.”
“I cannot conceive of countries engaging in trade or exchange with others that have a relationship as problematic as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”he insisted.
This Wednesday, the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un He left his country for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in 2020 and visited his Russian ally, Vladimir Putinat the Vostochny space center.
This summit took place at a time when nations are seeking strengthen their military and arms ties, something that could benefit them in a number of ways. On the one hand, it would allow them to face the alliance of South Korea, the United States and Japan while, on the other, it would be key for Moscow in the war in ukraine and for Pyongyang, in its weapons development.
“An old friend is better than two new ones,” the Kremlin leader declared then, while his counterpart said he wanted build “stable and lasting” relationships with Russia. “We need to further intensify strategic and tactical cooperation to guarantee security, guarantee lasting peace both in the region and throughout the world,” he added.
In that sense, during his visit to Russia, Kim inspected nuclear capable bombers, hypersonic missiles and a warship. He also took the opportunity to talk with local experts who participate in the manufacturing of these ships and who could help him improve the range, reliability and flexibility of its nuclear weapons delivery system.
In short, the rapprochement and cooperation between these countries could alter not only the development of the war conflict in kyiv but also the nuclear balance in Asia.
That is why Grossi maintained that this week’s trip should be used as a kick for Moscow “helps” North Korea engage with the IAEA and encourage the creation of “paths of trust,” which have been cut off.
The director of the organization also referred to the recent partial reopening of the North Korean border, which was closed for more than three years. In this regard, Grossi said that talks have not yet been held with the regime to negotiate the entry of nuclear inspectors into the countrywho were expelled in 2009.
Since then, the IAEA has compiled evidence of “elements of very concern” in it Punggye-ri nuclear complexfor which the agency follows the events with “enormous interest” and therefore the inspection of the experts on the site is urgent.
“What we have is a program that is completely outside of any supervisory control, any interaction with any independent supervisory authority or expertise in nuclear security”he explained.
“We are available, we are committed and we want, of course, for North Korea to commit to us,” he concluded.
(With information from Europa Press)
Source-www.infobae.com