The United States is delaying approval of several requests for sanctions exemptions to deliver tractors, spare parts and other goods needed for humanitarian relief in North Korea, according to documents seen by AFP on Thursday.
Russia asked the Security Council to discuss the delays during a meeting held behind closed doors on Thursday.
North Korea is under crippling sanctions imposed for carrying out nuclear and ballistic missile tests, but UN resolutions specify that these should not affect humanitarian aid.
The exemptions would allow deliveries of plumbing parts needed to repair North Korean health facilities, farm equipment such as tractors and other goods needed for humanitarian projects, according to documents seen by AFP.
US Ambassador Nikki Haley said the United States “is going to take our time” to review the requests to ensure that they are not diverted to Pyongyang instead of reaching those in need.