It’s Official: North Korea Sanctions

The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to impose sanctions against North Korea in light of its recent nuclear test. Though financial and military aid is restricted, the sanctions do not allow for military action, and skeptics question how effectively the rules will be enforced.

North Korea’s U.N. envoy, Pak Gil Yon, left the U.N. chamber after rejecting the “unjustifiable” resolution and accusing the Security Council of neglecting U.S. pressure on North Korea.

He warned that any increase in U.S. pressure would be considered as a “declaration of war.”

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 programmes

* 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.

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