Weak as usual
The UN Security Council has unanimously voted to impose sanctions on North Korea following recent missile tests.
The resolution called on Pyongyang to halt its ballistic missile programme.
To avert a veto from China, the resolution does not mention Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which authorises the use of force.
The move comes after North Korea test-fired seven missiles including a long-range Taepodong-2 - believed to be capable of reaching Alaska.
"The council has acted swiftly and robustly in response to the reckless and condemnable act of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Chintaro Ito said.
Japan had produced its draft resolution for the 15-member Security Council just days after tests earlier this month, and has long been seen as the Asian nation with the toughest stance on North Korea.
The resolution 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.
It underlines the need for North Korea "to show restraint and refrain from any action that might aggravate tension".
And the resolution calls for Pyongyang to return to six-nation talks over its nuclear programme.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5184112.stm
The UN Security Council has unanimously voted to impose sanctions on North Korea following recent missile tests.
The resolution called on Pyongyang to halt its ballistic missile programme.
To avert a veto from China, the resolution does not mention Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which authorises the use of force.
The move comes after North Korea test-fired seven missiles including a long-range Taepodong-2 - believed to be capable of reaching Alaska.
"The council has acted swiftly and robustly in response to the reckless and condemnable act of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Chintaro Ito said.
Japan had produced its draft resolution for the 15-member Security Council just days after tests earlier this month, and has long been seen as the Asian nation with the toughest stance on North Korea.
The resolution 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.
It underlines the need for North Korea "to show restraint and refrain from any action that might aggravate tension".
And the resolution calls for Pyongyang to return to six-nation talks over its nuclear programme.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5184112.stm