World North Korea warns US sanctions could ‘block the path to denuclearization forever’ December 17, 2018 Thomas Maresca, Special to USA TODAY Comments Off on North Korea warns US sanctions could ‘block the path to denuclearization forever’ The North's warning came days after the Treasury Department imposed fresh sanctions on three top officials, including Choe Ryong Hae – who is seen as Kim Jong Un’s right-hand man.