Diplomats: Key nations agree on N. Korea sanctions

[Akoto]

Source: Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Western powers joined with North Korea's key allies Wednesday on a proposal that would impose tough new sanctions against the reclusive communist nation for its second nuclear test, paving the way for quick approval by the U.N. Security Council.

The sanctions would allow foreign countries to stop and search ships heading to and from North Korea, pending approval from the country whose flag the vessel was flying.

The resolution does not, however, authorize the use of force should the stopped ships refuse to allow searches, but the sanctions should allow for more ships to be checked.

U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice presented the draft resolution to the 15-member council saying it would create "an unprecedented, detailed" regime in which nations "are expected to inspect suspected contraband cargo" on land and the high seas, and then seize and dispose of any contraband.

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/UN_UN_NORTH_KOREA?SITE=MITRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[David__77]

1. Pretty meaningless sanctions.

They don't authorize any use of force, and are subject to widely varying interpretations. I'm sure that was the condition for any agreement by China and Russia.

[Blandocyte]

2. Pending approval of the country

whose flag the vessel is flying. Good luck with that.