The UN Security Council has voted unanimously in favour of a resolution imposing sanctions on North Korea over its claimed nuclear test. Resolution 1718 imposes weapons and financial sanctions but is not backed by the threat of military force. US President George W Bush said the UN had taken a "swift and tough" step to show its determination to keep the Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons.| He's just saying that for the record of course. |
North Korea's UN envoy, Pak Gil Yon, left the UN chamber after rejecting the "unjustifiable" resolution and accusing the Security Council of neglecting US pressure on North Korea.
| "Stand up, sir, and be recognized. Oh, you are standing up." |
The resolution --
Demands North Korea eliminate all its nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles
Requires all countries to prevent the sale or transfer of materials related to Pyongyang's unconventional weapons programmes, as well as large-sized military items such as tanks, missiles and helicopters
Demands nations freeze funds overseas of people or businesses connected with North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs
Allows nations to inspect "as necessary" cargo moving in and out of North Korea to check for banned items
Bans export of luxury goods to North Korea
Calls on Pyongyang to return "without precondition" to stalled six-nation talks on its nuclear programme
John Bolton, the US envoy to the UN, warned the Security Council that stronger measures might be required if North Korea did not comply. China and Russia have been concerned that the cargo inspections permitted in the resolution could spark naval confrontations with North Korean boats.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said that both Moscow and Beijing believed the sanctions should not be viewed as indefinite. "If North Korea returns to six-party talks and these talks achieve progress, sanctions... should be automatically lifted," he said.
After hours of talks, China agreed to back the resolution but said it had "reservations" about provisions for cargo checks on North Korean ships. China's UN envoy Wang Guangya called on UN member states to adopt a "prudent and responsible attitude" and refrain from "provocative steps".
| Except for the Norks, of course, it's okay for them to be provocative. |
The US proposed the initial draft resolution but revised it to remove the threat of imminent military action and dilute a blanket ban on defence exports in an effort to allay Chinese and Russian concerns.
| Which means that the resolution means nothing except a check-box on the to-do list. |