– No Victory, No Peace

Japan wants more sanctions if North Korea carries out new nuke test
Itar-Tass

TOKYO- If North Korea carries out its second nuclear test then Japan as the country now holding chairmanship in the UN Security Council will immediately submit to the Council a draft resolution envisaging tougher sanctions against Pyongyang. They, in particular will envision that UN member states should close their ports for North Korean ships and fully stop purchasing its goods.

Tokyo will press for the United States to act as the draft resolution’s co-author, The Yomiuri newspaper reported on Thursday with reference to government sources.

Last Saturday, the UN Security Council unanimously denounced North Korea’s nuclear test carried out on October 9 and adopted a package of sanctions against the country. They envisage, in particular, a ban on the supply of offensive weapons to North Korea. A ban is also introduced on transportation to the north of Korea or from there of materials related to weapons of mass destruction. UN member states are given the right to conduct inspections of vessels that may be suspected of transporting such cargoes. Restrictions have been introduced on financial ties with North Korea and issuing of visas to its officials.

In addition, Tokyo unilaterally imposed its own sanctions on North Korea closing for six month all Japanese ports for all ships from North Korea. Japan has also stopped all purchases of goods from Pyongyang. Japan in October holds the rotating chairmanship of the UN Security Council.