This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8093494.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
N Korea draft resolution 'agreed' N Korea draft resolution agreed
(about 2 hours later)
Key Security Council members have agreed on the wording of a draft UN resolution to expand sanctions against North Korea, diplomatic sources say. Key Security Council members have agreed on the wording of a draft UN resolution to expand sanctions against North Korea, diplomats say.
The move is a response to Pyongyang's recent nuclear and missile testing.The move is a response to Pyongyang's recent nuclear and missile testing.
The agreement was reportedly reached by the five permanent council members, along with Japan and South Korea. The agreement was reached by the five permanent council members, along with Japan and South Korea. The US's UN envoy said the draft was "very strong".
The full 15-nation council will discuss the draft later in the day with a vote expected on Friday, unnamed diplomats were reported as saying. The full 15-nation council will discuss the draft later in the day with a vote expected on Friday.
The latest wording of the draft has not been made public. The 35-point draft resolution proposes significantly tougher sanctions than those already in place.
But diplomats told South Korea's Yonhap news agency that the 35-point draft resolution reasserts a UN ban on North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile tests. It involves provisions for the inspection of North Korean ships that may be carrying equipment related to weapons of mass destruction.
It also calls for an overall arms embargo and financial sanctions on North Korea, they said. It also proposes a tighter ban on North Korean arms exports and the introduction of a range of steps to increase vigilance over financial dealings Pyongyang has in other countries.
The draft also reasserts a UN ban on North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
'Merciless offensive'
North Korea's missile programme Engage, appease, oppose?
Adoption of the resolution is virtually assured once the seven countries have endorsed it, diplomats told AFP news agency.Adoption of the resolution is virtually assured once the seven countries have endorsed it, diplomats told AFP news agency.
The US and Japan have been pushing for strong sanctions to punish North Korea for its nuclear test in May, but China and Russia have been wary about provoking Pyongyang's ire.
In recent weeks, North Korea has fired a long-range and several short-range missiles, and tested a nuclear device in defiance of the UN Security Council.In recent weeks, North Korea has fired a long-range and several short-range missiles, and tested a nuclear device in defiance of the UN Security Council.
On Tuesday, North Korea said it would use nuclear weapons in a "merciless offensive" if provoked.
The US has said it has ruled out military action against the North in favour of international diplomatic efforts.The US has said it has ruled out military action against the North in favour of international diplomatic efforts.
North Korea said on Tuesday that it would use nuclear weapons in a "merciless offensive" if provoked. The US and Japan have been pushing for strong sanctions to punish North Korea for its nuclear test in May, but China and Russia have been wary about provoking Pyongyang's ire.
The BBC's Jonathan Marcus says it remains to be seen whether China would be prepared to carry out extensive searches of North Korean ships.
But if both China and Russia approve the proposed resolution, it would send a powerful signal of disapproval to Pyongyang, says our correspondent.