Japan Tightens N. Korea Sanctions

Statement demands end to nuclear program, proposes more sanctions

(NEWSER) - A week after North Korea's rocket launch, the UN Security Council today condemned the action, demanding an end to missile tests and vowing to expand sanctions against the reclusive nation. The statement, agreed upon by all 15 members and read at a formal meeting of the UN's most powerful body, said the launch violated a council resolution adopted after the North conducted a nuclear test explosion in 2006 that banned any missile tests by the country. More»

But critics question if pact is legally binding

(AP) - Key Security Council nations reached an agreement today on a statement that would condemn North Korea's rocket launch and toughen UN sanctions against it. The US, China, Russia, Britain, France and Japan approved the pact after Tokyo backed down from a demand for a new resolution, which is the strongest response the Security Council can give. More»

Russia, China resist as US, Japan call for punishment

(NEWSER) - The US and Japan have hit international resistance as they push for a firm response to yesterday’s North Korean rocket launch over Japan, the Guardian reports. As the second day of emergency UN talks begins today, China and Russia aren’t backing a proposed statement condemning the move from Pyongyang and boosting UN sanctions. China and Russia “appear reserved and cautious,” Japan’s foreign minister said this morning. More»

(AP) - The UN Security Council has condemned North Korea's nuclear test as a clear violation of its resolutions. The council said in a statement today that it will begin work immediately on a new legally binding resolution addressing North Korea's violations. More»

Outrage over rocket launch makes conflict 'a matter of time'

(NEWSER) - North Korea will consider pressure from Western nations over its recent rocket launch to be a "declaration of war," Pyongyang said today. The nation is already increasing its "defense capability including nuclear deterrent in every way" due to US and UN criticism of the launch, which North Korea says put a communications satellite into orbit. Washington says the rocket's payload never got that far, CNN reports. More»