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UN ponders North Korea sanctions | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Diplomats have not yet agreed on the sanctions North Korea should face, two days after the country reportedly carried out a nuclear test. | |
The UN Security Council is considering a US proposal which would impose a range of tough measures on Pyongyang. | |
But China and Russia are arguing against any sanctions that would be backed by military force. | |
Earlier, reports of a second apparent nuclear test were dismissed by senior officials in South Korea and the US. | |
A Japanese TV channel had said Tokyo officials were investigating reports of a further test following earth tremors in the area. | |
The nuclear test... marks a historic event... It will contribute to defending peace and stability North Korean statement href="/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6033893.stm" class="">Underground nuclear testing href="/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6036595.stm" class="">China's 'nightmare scenario' | |
But US and South Korean officials said they had detected no seismic activity in that area. | |
The US has proposed a 13-point draft resolution and wants to see the sanctions brought under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which means they would be mandatory and ultimately enforceable by military means. | The US has proposed a 13-point draft resolution and wants to see the sanctions brought under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which means they would be mandatory and ultimately enforceable by military means. |
The American Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has warned North Korea that it faces sanctions unlike any it has experienced before, because it had crossed "an important line" when it claimed it launched a nuclear test. | |
The US has suggested there should be a ban on military trade with North Korea and stringent inspections of cargo going into and out of the country. | |
But the Japanese want a complete ban on planes or ships from North Korea crossing their territory. | |
'Colossal blow' | 'Colossal blow' |
Japan's ambassador to the UN, Kenzo Oshima, said negotiations on the draft resolution have become quite specific. | |
"Obviously we still have some difference of views and opinion with respect to some specifics that we'd like to see included," he said. | |
BBC correspondent Laura Trevelyan, who is at the UN headquarters in New York, said diplomats hoped to reach agreement by the end of the week. | |
HAVE YOUR SAY What is the world coming to? Mankind should be so much more civilized than this Jessica Cogswell, USA Send us your comments | HAVE YOUR SAY What is the world coming to? Mankind should be so much more civilized than this Jessica Cogswell, USA Send us your comments |
Russia, which like China has resisted sanctions in the past, has said it is "ready to take part in joint efforts of the interested parties to arrive at a peaceful, diplomatic settlement of the situation". | Russia, which like China has resisted sanctions in the past, has said it is "ready to take part in joint efforts of the interested parties to arrive at a peaceful, diplomatic settlement of the situation". |
The response of China - the country that holds the most influence over the isolated regime - is seen by many analysts to be key in moving the crisis forward. | The response of China - the country that holds the most influence over the isolated regime - is seen by many analysts to be key in moving the crisis forward. |
China's UN ambassador, Wang Guangya, has said North Korea must face "some punitive actions" for conducting a nuclear test. | China's UN ambassador, Wang Guangya, has said North Korea must face "some punitive actions" for conducting a nuclear test. |
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said: "This will no doubt have a negative impact on China and North Korea's relations." | Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said: "This will no doubt have a negative impact on China and North Korea's relations." |
North Korea's neighbours remain tense in the wake of Monday's announcement. | North Korea's neighbours remain tense in the wake of Monday's announcement. |
Only Iran, which also faces Security Council action over its failure to suspend its uranium enrichment programme - has voiced support for North Korea. | Only Iran, which also faces Security Council action over its failure to suspend its uranium enrichment programme - has voiced support for North Korea. |
The underground test reportedly took place in Gilju in Hamgyong province at 1036 (0136 GMT) on Monday morning. | The underground test reportedly took place in Gilju in Hamgyong province at 1036 (0136 GMT) on Monday morning. |