It is reported that the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to impose sanctions on North Korea through the comprehensive application of Chapter Seven of the UN Chapter.
It includes investigating ships for banned threatening weapons, materials, and technologies to be transferred. The five member countries of the UN Security Council and Japan held the council to make a final statement prior to the announcement yesterday.

Amidst rising tension in the UN, the US demanded to include possible military reaction against North Korea even a day ahead of the final statement, but China opposed it. The resolution also calls on all countries to inspect cargo leaving and entering North Korea to stop illegal trafficking of threatening weapons or ballistic missiles.

The statement also freezes financial assets of private or business-owned bank accounts that are connected to the nuclear programs, and bans importing luxury goods. The US softened its previous draft. Previously, Washington urged the UN to include an article that all vessels leaving and entering North Korea must be inspected at sea. But the statement was altered; softening the sentences to all countries can inspect cargo leaving and entering North Korea on the basis of international and domestic laws.

Meanwhile, President Roh Moo-hyun and Chinese President Hu Jintao reportedly found common ground in dealing with North Korea's reported nuclear test. The two leaders said they would support the UN response, saying that appropriate measures by the international community are necessary. Both leaders concurred with the idea that the international community must try to resolve the issue with diplomatic and peaceful measures.

Both leaders concurred with the statement: we strongly oppose the North Korean nuclear test, North Korea must comply with previous agreements, and Pyongyang should return to the six-party talks.

입력시간: 2006. 10.17. 10:15