[INTERVIEW] Russia brushes off arms deal allegations, flaunts ties with North Korea

Russian Ambassador to South Korea Georgy Zinoviev speaks of Russia's exceptional friendship with North Korea during an interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

By Kim Hyun-bin

In the face of growing condemnation of the alleged arms transfers between North Korea and Russia, Moscow’s ambassador to Seoul has rejected the speculation, saying that there was no evidence vindicating the accusations of its violation of international law.

The United States said earlier this month the North had provided Russia with several dozen ballistic missiles, some of which were used against Ukraine on Dec. 30, Jan. 2 and Jan. 6. As a result, foreign ministers from 49 countries issued a joint statement, Jan. 10, condemning the alleged arms deal.

“Russia is a responsible member of the international community and we uphold and observe all the decisions made by the U.N. Security Council,” Russian Ambassador to South Korea Georgy Zinoviev said during an interview with The Korea Times at the Russian Embassy in Seoul, Friday.

“If there are any concrete facts that cause concern of international community and of our South Korean colleagues, then they should be presented through proper channels… We have actually the proper mechanism in place that takes care of those kinds of allegations which is set by the U.N. Security Council the exact same body that imposed resolutions concerning North Korea.”

He added: “We gave all the necessary explanations and I don't think there is a single fact in place that we do not observe the provisions of the U.N. Security Council resolutions.”

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1718, passed in 2006, bans North Korea from exporting heavy weapons, such as tanks, artillery and missiles, while requiring U.N. member states to prevent their transfer.

Against that backdrop, North Korea and Russia have been flaunting their close ties lately, highlighted by a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin last September and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui’s recent trip to Moscow, during which she met with Putin.

According to North Korea, Sunday, Putin has expressed his willingness to visit Pyongyang at an early date.

In that respect, Zinoviev highlighted the exceptional friendship between Russia and North Korea, calling Pyongyang a "true friend" steadfastly supporting Moscow during international turmoil.

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"North Korea is one of the friendliest countries among our friendly countries. It not only didn't impose any sanctions on Russia but totally supported us in international organizations," the ambassador said.

"The DPRK has proven itself to be a true friend in the recent turmoil events on the international arena, and it is only natural that we would enhance our cooperation."

He specifically pointed out North Korea's support and solidarity with Russia, which saw different types of sanctions imposed from the international community.

Turning to the complex dynamics of inter-Korean relations, the ambassador said the security challenges are posed by the continuous cycle of joint military drills in the South, countered by North Korea launching ballistic missiles and enhancing its nuclear arsenal.

“Each country takes care of its security concerns. I think South Korea does that in its own way, and in the way that you are doing it is perceived by North Korea as an immense threat to their security,” he said.

"And perhaps this is kind of a vicious circle that is going on and on on the Korean Peninsula with the missile launches from one part and with (joint) military exercises from here."

The ambassador acknowledged the intricacies of the security landscape on the peninsula, emphasizing the need for dialogue and a diplomatic approach to break the cycle of tension.

"It is crucial for both North and South Korea to find common ground and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the security concerns and move towards a more stable and cooperative relationship," he said.