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Sunday, October 15 2006 @ 11:30 PM Central Daylight Time
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The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution Saturday that imposes strict economic sanctions on North Korea for its reported nuclear test but specifically excludes the use of force.
North Korea immediately rejected the resolution.
The resolution calls on North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons, rocket testing and development. It also bans arms-related trade. This includes battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, large caliber artillery systems, combat aircraft, warships, missiles and missile systems, among other arms.
The sanctions also would freeze funds overseas for people or businesses connected with Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, allow a travel ban on individuals connected with North Korea's weapons programs, and impose an arms embargo on heavy conventional weapons.
The U.S.-sponsored resolution also calls on U.N. countries to inspect cargo leaving and arriving in North Korea under international rules of law.
Pyongyang has been asked to return "without any precondition" to the stalled six-nation talks on its nuclear program. U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said, "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.”
In the meantime, U.S. President George Bush has praised the Security Council for what he called swift and tough action on North Korea. |
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