US tones down North Korea resolution ahead of UN vote

Move a bid to bring Russia, China on board

United Nations, Sept. 11: Even as the United States, in an attempt to bring China and Russia on board, submitted a new, toned-down North Korean sanctions resolution to the UN Security Council less than 24 hours before a vote, North Korea warned that the US would pay a “due price” for spearheading efforts for fresh sanctions.

Washington has led the international drive to punish the rogue state after it detonated a nuclear device this month.

The US had originally pushed for a strict oil embargo, a halt to its key exports of textiles as well as subjecting leader Kim Jong-Un to a financial and travel ban. But late Sunday, diplomats said the asset freeze had been dropped from the draft, and it now foresaw a progressive tightening of the oil taps, instead of something sudden and complete.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced her support for tougher UN sanctions against North Korea in a phone call with Russian President Putin

Putin has remained firm that sanctions on oil would have negative humanitarian effects on North Koreans

Among other concessions the new text also softens proposed restrictions on North Koreans working overseas, and on the inspection by force of ships suspected of carrying cargo prohibited by the UN.

Of five key original measures, ban on textile exports from North Korea remained.

Britain and France — permanent Security Council members along with the US, China and Russia — have given Washington their unequivocal backing.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday voiced her support for tougher UN sanctions against North Korea in a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mr Putin has remained firm that sanctions on oil would have negative humanitarian effects on North Koreans.

China, the North’s lone major ally, may be most critical though in deciding if oil sanctions go ahead because it controls an oil pipeline that industry sources say provides about 520,000 tonnes of crude a year to the North.

A Security Council resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by permanent members the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China to pass.