IMO, Indicates Response Including Adoption of Resolution on ‘North Korea’s Satellite Launch Without Prior Notice’

Natasha Brown IMO Side "Will Mention or Decide"

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) indicated that it will formalize the issue once North Korea's position is conveyed to the council, in response to North Korea's backlash against the adoption of a resolution condemning its missile launches.

Official documents adopted by the IMO are categorized as resolutions, circular decisions, and decisions, with resolutions interpreted as the strongest recommendations to member states.

Natasha Brown, the IMO Media and Information Officer, stated in a written response sent to Voice of America (VOA), "When concerns from member states are conveyed to the IMO body, the relevant IMO institution may appropriately mention or decide on the matter."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Brown also expressed the intention to take countermeasures such as adopting a resolution if North Korea fails to provide prior notification before satellite launches as it has warned. She said, "The IMO, as an international regulatory body, adopts regulations and recommendations," adding, "As in the past, it can adopt resolutions, issue circulars, and make decisions as an IMO body."

Brown emphasized the obligation of member states to comply with regulations, stating, "All risks to maritime navigation must be communicated through the Worldwide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) and warnings must be issued."

As an IMO member state, North Korea is required to provide prior notification to the organization and relevant countries before missile or satellite launches that could affect the navigation of other member states' vessels. After launching a military reconnaissance satellite on the 31st of last month, North Korea reacted against the IMO's first-ever adoption of a resolution condemning the missile launch, stating that it may no longer provide prior notice even if it launches satellites in the future.