U.N. panel to visit Seoul to discuss N.K. sanctions

A U.N. panel monitoring the implementation of sanctions on North Korea will visit South Korea this week to discuss nuclear and missile threats from the communist country, government sources said Monday.

The panel will be in the country from Monday until Friday and hold meetings with key policymakers on a wide range of issues related to the North, according to the sources familiar with diplomatic matters.

It is tasked with monitoring implementation of sanctions imposed on the North by the U.N. to punish the country for its missile and nuclear tests. The panel consists of experts in nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, finance, aviation and others.

During the visit of the panel made up of 4-5 experts, it will also touch on the North's submarine-launched ballistic missile test carried out late last week, the sources said.

Seoul's officials are expected to use the visit as a chance to share their opinions on the North's violation of the sanctions and discuss global cooperation on their faithful enforcement, they added.  (Yonhap)