U.N. Council imposes harsh sanctions on North Korea [View All]

[leftchick]

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-10-14T180546Z_01_N14268552_RTRUKOC_0_UK-KOREA-NORTH-UN.xml

The U.S.-drafted resolution allows nations to stop cargo going to and from North Korea to check for weapons of mass destruction or related supplies.

It requires all countries to prevent the sale or transfer of materials related to Pyongyang's unconventional weapons programs. And the resolution demands nations freeze funds overseas of people or businesses connected with North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

"Today we are sending a strong and clear message to North Korea and other would-be proliferators that there will be serious repercussions in continuing to pursue weapons of mass destruction," U.S. Ambassador John Bolton told the council.

In a concession to China, the resolution specifically excludes the use of force, but allows economic sanctions and a restriction on naval and air transport.

But the document still puts an international imprimatur on the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative. This was launched in May 2003 and encourages countries to interdict weapons from North Korea, Iran and other states of concern.