UN imposes new sanctions on North Korea

SEOUL: Major US allies in Asia welcomed yesterday the UN Security Council’s unanimous vote to step up sanctions on North Korea, with its profitable textile exports now banned and fuel supplies to the North capped after its sixth nuclear test.

Japan and South Korea said after the passage of the US-drafted Security Council resolution they were prepared to apply more pressure if Pyongyang refused to end its aggressive development of nuclear arms.

The decision was the ninth sanctions resolution adopted by the Security Council since 2006 over North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programmes.

A tougher initial US draft was weakened to win the support of China, Pyongyang’s main ally, and Russia, both of which hold veto power in the council.

“We don’t take pleasure in further strengthening sanctions today. We are not looking for war,” US ambassador to United Nations Nikki Haley said after the vote.

“The North Korean regime has not yet passed the point of no return.”

“If it agrees to stop its nuclear programme, it can reclaim its future. If North Korea continues its dangerous path, we will continue with further pressure,” said Haley, who credited a “strong relationship” between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for the successful resolution talks. – Reuters