UN extends expert panel monitoring sanctions on North Korea, urges help on alleged violations

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Security Council is extending the work of the panel of experts monitoring sanctions against North Korea.

The council is also urging all countries and "interested parties" to supply information about alleged violations and cooperate with the panel's investigations.

The panel reported last month that a North Korean shipping company that tried to hide fighter jets under a cargo of sugar later sought to evade U.N. sanctions by renaming most of its vessels. It also said the government persists with its nuclear and missile programs in defiance of council resolutions.

The resolution adopted unanimously Wednesday continues the panel's mandate until April 5, 2016. It calls for a midterm report by Sept. 7, 2015.

North Korean diplomat Kim Un Chol attended the council meeting but did not speak.