North Korea going through Limits

UNITED NATIONS — Western powers joined with North Korea’s key allies Wednesday on a proposal that would impose tough sanctions against the communist nation for its second nuclear test, paving the way for quick approval by the U.N. Security Council.

The sanctions would allow foreign countries to stop and search ships heading to and from North Korea, pending approval from the country whose flag the vessel was flying.

The resolution does not, however, authorize the use of military force.

U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice presented the draft resolution to the 15-member council saying it would create "an unprecedented, detailed” regime in which nations "are expected to inspect suspected contraband cargo” on land and the high seas, and then seize and dispose of any contraband.

"This sanctions regime if passed by the Security Council will bite, and bite in a meaningful way,” she said. "We think that the message that the council will send should it adopt this resolution is that North Korea’s behavior is unacceptable. They must pay a price.”

The agreement comes after two weeks of closed-door negotiations by ambassadors from the five permanent Security Council nations — the United States, Britain and France, and the North’s closest allies China and Russia — as well as the two countries most closely affected by the test, Japan and South Korea.

The draft, obtained by The Associated Press, would expand an arms embargo against North Korea, seek to curtail the North’s financial dealings with the outside world, and freeze assets of North Korean companies.

It would also enhance the inspection of cargo heading to and from North Korea suspected of carrying banned weapons, nuclear and missile-related material, including on the high seas.



by the associated press