FOCUS: U.N. watchdog panel's fate uncertain as Russia favors North Korea

The fate of a U.N. panel launched 15 years ago to monitor the implementation of sanctions against North Korea appears increasingly in question as Russia has voted against its continuation for the first time as part of recent efforts to favor Pyongyang in closely-watched diplomatic matters.Last month, Russia vetoed a resolution of the U.N. Security Council that would have reauthorized the auxiliary panel to check possible evasions of the punitive measures against Pyongyang under a council committee. The resolution was supported by 13 of the 15 council members, with China abstaining.Establish…READ FULL ARTICLE