UNITED NATIONS, United States, Feb 6, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - North Korea pressed
ahead with the development of its nuclear and missile programs last year
despite international sanctions, according to a confidential United Nations
report seen by AFP on Saturday.

Pyongyang is under major sanctions over its weapons programs, including a ban
on exports of coal, iron, lead, textiles, seafood and other products.

   While no nuclear tests or launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles
were reported last year, North Korea kept developing "its capability for
production of nuclear fissile materials," according to the report, which was
compiled by sanctions monitors and shared with the 15 UN Security Council
members.

   "Maintenance and development of DPRK's nuclear and ballistic missile
infrastructure continued, and DPRK continued to seek material, technology and
know-how for these programs overseas, including through cyber-means and joint
scientific research," said the report, using the initials of North Korea's
official name.

   The document also said North Korea resorted to cyberattacks, especially on
cryptocurrency assets, as an important source of government revenue.

   The UN experts noted a sharp increase in the quality of illicit refined
petroleum imports last year, "but at a level much lower than that of previous
years."

   While Western countries have steadily pushed for more pressure on
Pyongyang, Beijing and Moscow have called for easing sanctions on
humanitarian grounds and urged more flexibility when dealing with North
Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

   Pyongyang conducted an unprecedented seven weapons tests in January,
including launching its most powerful missile since 2017 as it hinted it
could restart nuclear and long-range missile tests.