UN considers sanctions against North Korea
Diplomats meeting at the UN are considering their response to North Korea's nuclear test
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Tuesday, 10, Oct 2006 07:44
Members of the United Nations (UN) security council are today expected to discuss a draft resolution circulated by the US late yesterday, condemning North Korea's supposed nuclear test and proposing tough sanctions against Pyongyang.
The Associated Press, which has obtained a draft of the proposed resolution, claims that it includes proposals to ban all trade in military and luxury goods with North Korea and a crack down on illegal financial transactions by the communist state which could contribute to the transfer or development of banned weapons.
The news agency claims that the draft also incorporates new calls from Japan to ban North Korean ships and aircraft from entering foreign countries if they carry arms, nuclear of ballistic missile-related material, or luxury goods.
Britain said yesterday that it would push for further sanctions against North Korea following yesterday's claims by the reclusive communist state that it carried out a nuclear test.
Foreign secretary Margaret Beckett said that the UK would be "pushing for a robust response" to North Korea's actions under chapter seven of the UN charter, which deals with threats to international peace.
"Put simply, this means we shall be pushing for sanctions against North Korea," said Ms Beckett in a statement.
The foreign secretary explained that under UN security council resolution 1695, which was agreed in July, states are already required to prevent missile-related material being transferred to or from North Korea, but she argued that new sanctions were needed in light of the country's claim to have trialled its first nuclear weapon in an underground test.
"Any new sanctions would clearly have to go further than this. They should make it clear to North Korea that it must return to the six party talks, and stop disregarding the concerns of its neighbours and the international community," said Ms Beckett.
Six-nation talks aimed at persuading Pyongyang to end its nuclear weapons programme stalled last year, with North Korea refusing to rejoin the discussions with the US, South Korea, China, Russia and Japan until Washington ends economic sanctions imposed against it.
North Korea's nuclear test claim has been widely condemned by international leaders, with British prime minister Tony Blair calling the apparent test "completely irresponsible" and an "act of defiance".
US president George Bush added his voice to the global criticism, calling yesterday for an "immediate response" from the UN security council after the "provocative act" which he claimed "defied the will of the international community".
But while the US, France and Britain have all called for further sanctions against North Korea, analysts claim that Russia and China, the remaining two permanent members of the UN security council with veto rights, could favour a less stringent line against Pyongyang.
"I think we have to react firmly, but also I believe that, on the other hand, that the door to solve this issue from a diplomatic point of view is still open," said China's UN ambassador Wang Guangya, yesterday.