Singapore Did Not Violate North Korea Sanctions

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said it followed the due diligence and processes to ensure that no sanctions were violated when they hosted a study visit by North Korean officials to a Singapore port in 2018. However, a report by the United Nations panel of experts have detailed their findings of 'a possible North Korea sanction violations'. It states that the violations relate to a scientific or technical training project between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Singapore.

The panel notes that Nampo has been used for illegal activity saying that blatant violations can occur only with the full knowledge and cooperation of the Nampo port officials. It also highlighted that the port was being used as a site for exporting and importing items that violated measures aimed at stemming nuclear, ballistic missile and other arms-related materials. Singapore confirmed that Kang Jong Gwan, North Korea's Minister of Land and Maritime Transport, who oversees the country's port, shipping and vessel operations had led a delegation to Singapore.

In its reply to the panel, the MFA it said Singapore had verified that the delegation members were not individuals designated by the UN. The panel also brought the Mercedes-Benz limousines to the fore as luxury goods have been banned in North Korea. "It is illegal to directly or indirectly supply luxury goods to North Korea under UN sanctions." The panel observed that a number of Mercedes-Benz without licence plates were seen during meetings n Sinagapore, Beijing and Pyongyang. And it was utilized by one foreign head of State in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 2018.