N.Korea dismisses sanctions

NORTH Korea’s senior envoy to a leading UN disarmament body says his country “categorically” rejects a Security Council resolution imposing new sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes.

Han Tae Song also lashed out at the US during a plenary session of the UN’s Conference on Disarmament, saying Pyongyang denounces Washington’s “evil intention” and would “make sure the US pays a due price”.

The comments came as North Korea faced renewed criticism at the Geneva-based body of its recent ballistic missile and nuclear weapons tests.

The UN Security Council unanimously approved new sanctions in a watered-down resolution without an oil import ban or international asset freeze on the government and leader Kim Jong Un. The resolution does ban North Korea from importing natural gas liquids and condensates.