United Nations Security Council agrees economic sanctions on North Korea over missile fears

Tensions have risen after Kim Jong-un successfully tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile.
Francesca Gillett6 August 2017

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously backed new sanctions on North Korea as tensions rise over its missile programme.

The council agreed on Saturday on a fresh resolution which will ban exports worth over $1 billion and prohibit countries from giving additional permits to North Korean workers.

The measure, drafted by the US and negotiated with North Korea’s ally China, is part of a bid to increase economic pressure on Pyongyang to return to talks over its nuclear and missile programmes.

US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley speaks to China's ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi.
AP

Last month the secretive state carried out its first successful tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles which were capable of reaching the United States.

The new UN resolution bans North Korea from exporting coal, iron, lead and seafood products estimated to be worth over $1 billion. This represents one-third of its total exports last year, estimated at $3 billion.

According to Reuters, the US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said: “We should not fool ourselves into thinking we have solved the problem. Not even close. The North Korean threat has not left us, it is rapidly growing more dangerous.

“Further action is required. The United States is taking and will continue to take prudent defensive measures to protect ourselves and our allies.”

Earlier this year tensions grew even further after Kim Jong-un accused the US and South Korea of carrying out military drills.

Sanctions have already been in place since 2006 over the country’s weapons programmes.

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