Annie
Diamond Member
- Nov 22, 2003
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and so begins the rounds ala Iraq:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1687600.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1687600.htm
UN imposes weapons sanctions on N Korea
The United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to impose weapons-related sanctions on North Korea in response to its spate of missile tests earlier this month.
The resolution demands that North Korea suspend "all activities" on its ballistic missile programs.
It requires all UN members to prevent imports from or exports to North Korea of missiles and missile-related items, as well as materials that could be used in weapons of mass destruction.
To avert a veto from China, the resolution does not mention Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which is used on a legally binding document.
But Security Council members say the resolution is mandatory because of the way it is worded.
China and Russia had originally proposed weaker language, but agreed to a tough resolution.
They expressed fears that Chapter 7 would lead to military action, as in Iraq.
After the vote, Japan's Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Shintaro Ito told the 15-member council its response was strong.
"The council has acted swiftly and robustly in response to the reckless and condemnable act of (North Korea) in launching the barrage of ballistic missiles," he said.
Defying international warnings, North Korea launched at least six missiles on July 5 and a seventh some 12 hours later.
A long-range Taepodong-2, which could theoretically hit the continental United States, fell into the Sea of Japan within a minute of the launch.
North Korea, a reclusive Stalinist state, has rebuffed worldwide criticism of its missile tests and resisted pressure to return to talks on winding up its nuclear arms program, but its neighbours pressed on with diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
- Reuters