UN considers sanctions against North Korea

10/10/2006| IslamWeb

North Korea's claim that it has successfully tested a nuclear weapon has brought swift condemnation from the UN. The Security Council has met to consider its next steps, which could include sanctions enforced by military means. But PyongYang's ambassador to the UN Pak Gil Yon is unrepentant: "It will be better for the Security Council of the United Nations to congratulate the DPRK scientists and researchers instead of doing such notorious, useless and rigorous resolutions or whatever statement against the DPRK."

These are testing times for the UN, which call for unanimous and decisive action says US ambassador John Bolton: "I was very impressed by the unanimity of the council. Admittedly, these are preliminary responses, but the unanimity of the council and the need for a strong and swift answer to what everyone agreed amounted to threat to international peace and security."

The Council has discussed a US-backed proposal for rigorous sanctions against North Korea. It is hoped hitherto reluctant countries like Russia and China may be more supportive of sanctions in the wake of the reported test.

PHOTO CAPTION

A North Korean soldier throws rocks at a photographer passing by in a boat on the waterfront at the North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandong Tuesday Oct. 10, 2006. (AP)