UN extends sanctions against North Korea

The UN Security Council has unanimously approved expanded sanctions and a trade and arms embargo against North Korea following last month's nuclear test.

The resolution bans all weapons exports from North Korea and most arms imports. It authorises UN member states to inspect North Korean sea, air and land cargo, requiring them to seize and destroy any goods transported in violation of the sanctions. Both China and Russia, which had been reluctant to support punitive measures against Pyongyang in the past, supported the US-drafted resolution, which is now binding under international law.

The US envoy, Rosemary DiCarlo, said the resolution created "markedly stronger sanctions" to persuade North Korea to abandon its atomic weapons ambitions. China's UN ambassador said the resolution showed the "firm opposition" of the international community but urged countries to exercise caution.