S. Korea notes UN sanctions obligations after report on Putin's gift to NK leader

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk speaks during a press briefing at the ministry building in Jongno District, Seoul, Jan. 16. Yonhap

South Korea said Tuesday that Russia has an obligation to comply with U.N. sanctions resolutions against North Korea as a member state, after a report on President Vladimir Putin's gift of a luxury car to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The North's state media reported earlier in the day that Kim had received the Russian-made vehicle from Putin, delivered through their officials, as a token of special bonds between the two leaders.

The two held a rare summit in September last year. The two countries have since expanded the scope of their cooperation. Pyongyang is suspected of having provided artillery and munitions to Russia for use in Moscow's war in Ukraine in exchange for Russia's potential transfer of weapons technology.

The state media did not carry photos or provide more details of the car. The delivery of such a gift could be a violation of the U.N. sanctions banning any supply and transfer of luxury goods to the North.

"All U.N. member states have the obligation to fully comply with the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) sanctions resolutions against North Korea," foreign ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk said in a briefing.

"The sanctions ban the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all means of transportation to North Korea, regardless of origin, from HS Codes 86 to 89 by the international classification of traded goods, including luxury cars," Lim said.

The government will continue to work with the international community on the implementation of the UNSC sanctions, he added. (Yonhap)