North Korea's Wise Honest ship (Photo: AFP/VNA)

North Korea’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva Han Tae Song said the Trump administration must make a “big decision” on lifting sanctions before stalled nuclear negotiations can resume.

North Korea, under US and UN sanctions for its nuclear and missile programs, has stepped up a campaign for the return of the ship, which Washington says it seized over accusations it was used for coal shipments in violation of the curbs.

Han Tae Song said the impounding of the ship had violated North Korea’s sovereignty and could affect “future developments” between the two countries. Han described the seizure as a “wanton violation of international law” and demanded its immediate return.