Dictator Kim Jong-Un is still operating his ballistic missile programmes in “civilian facilities” across Pyongyang to avoid “decapitation strikes” by US military, a confidential document for the UN Security Council (UNSC) has stated. Experts also revealed how North Korea imported illegal oil products, sold banned coal and violated an arms embargo in a bid to dodge US sanctions.
In February last year, US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Pyongyang to reduce income for their nuclear programme, but the UN panel said they proved to be “ineffective”.
The report said: “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes remain intact.
“The panel found that the DPRK is using civilian facilities, including airports for ballistic missile assembly and testing with the goal of effectively preventing ‘decapitation’ strikes.'”
Mr Trump imposed sanctions on North Korea after the country launched a series of nuclear tests and missiles in 2017.
The sanctions were meant to stop North Korea from funding their nuclear programmes.
However, UN experts believe North Korea used a network of ships to illegally import and export goods, effectively dodging sanctions.
The reports cites evidence of more than 57,600 barrels of petroleum product transfer, worth more than £4.4 million (US$5.7 million)
The report added: “These violations render the latest United Nations sanctions ineffective by flouting the caps on the DPRK’s import of petroleum products and crude oil as well as the coal ban imposed in 2017.
“Financial sanctions remain some of the most poorly implemented and actively evaded measures of the sanctions regime.”
This comes as a blow to Mr Trump, who previously hailed “tremendous progress” with North Korea following their historic summit in Singapore.
Last year June, Kim Jong-un signed an agreement with Mr Trump agreeing to take steps towards denuclearisation.
At the time, Kim Jong-un said: “We’ve decided to leave the past behind.The world will see major changes.”
Last October dictator Kim Jong-un agreed to remove all nuclear weapons in Pyongyang, in a signed deal with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the US would continue to “keep pressure and sanctions on North Korea” until denuclearisation was confirmed.
Mr Trump and Kim Jong-un are planning to meet for a second summit at the end of February.