UN imposes tough North Korea sanctions

UN imposes tough North Korea sanctions

The vote against North Korea at the Security Council was 

overwhelming 

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution significantly expanding international sanctions against North Korea.

Correspondents say the new measures amount to some of the toughest against North Korea in two decades.

The vote is in response to North Korea's nuclear test last month.

The sanctions will result in all cargo going to and from the country being inspected, while new individuals and organisations have been blacklisted. 

"Today, the international community, speaking with one voice, has sent Pyongyang a simple message: North Korea must abandon these dangerous programmes and choose a better path for its people," US President Barack Obama said in a statement. 

The United States and North Korea's long-standing ally China spent seven weeks discussing the new sanctions. 

Economy fears

In addition to the mandatory cargo inspections the sanctions also include a ban on all sales or transfers of small arms and light weapons to North Korea, and expulsion of diplomats from the North who engage in "illicit activities".

The US, its Western allies and Japan were eager for the new sanctions to be speedily put in place, and pushed for them to be as wide-ranging as possible.

But China made clear that it did not want to impose measures that could jeopardise the stability of North Korea and cause its economy to collapse.

North Korea earlier said it would no longer take part in UN Human Rights Council sessions examining its rights record.

Foreign Minister Ri Su-yong accused the council of "politicisation, selectivity and double standards" and of "singling out" North Korea for criticism.

The UN council has repeatedly criticised North Korea over its treatment of its citizens.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35704273

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