US submits toned down sanctions proposal

NEW YORK: The United States submitted a new North Korean sanctions resolution to the UN Security Council, toning down its demands less than 24 hours before a vote that is due today, New York time, diplomats said, as it sought to bring China and Russia on board.

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

The US had originally pushed for a strict oil embargo, as well as a freeze on the assets of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

But late Sunday, diplomats said the asset freeze had been dropped from the new draft, and it now foresaw a progressive tightening of the oil taps, instead of something sudden and complete.

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, a 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.

The sticking point will be opposition from the Security Council’s two other veto-wielding permanent members, Russia and China.

Being the North’s two main backers, they are wary of anything that might force the collapse of the regime and the resulting exodus of refugees. — AFP