US opposes lifting UN sanctions on key Pyongyang exports

The United States opposed on Tuesday a draft resolution proposed by China and Russia that would terminate UN sanctions on key North Korean exports. Washington called the measure “premature,” citing Pyongyang’s threat to conduct “an escalated provocation,” AP reports.

The draft resolution circulated to UN Security Council members would terminate sanctions on North Korean exports including textiles and seafood with the intent of enhancing the livelihood of the civilian population.

It would also lift a ban on North Koreans working overseas and terminate a decision to repatriate all those earning income abroad by December 22.

The US State Department said President Donald Trump “remains committed to making progress toward commitments” he made with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at their first summit in Singapore in June 2018 on transforming relations between the two countries.