Japan to impose sanction on N Korea soon http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=koreanukes&slug=Japan+to+impose+sanction+on+N+Korea+soon&id=90374&callid=1
Wednesday, July 19, 2006 (Tokyo):
Japan is planning to impose its own economic sanctions on North Korea in early August.
Tokyo is considering banning cash remittances and freezing assets held by North Korea early next month, Japan's largest daily Yomiuri said. The report did not cite sources, which is customary in Japanese newspapers.
On Tuesday, Japan's government spokesman said Tokyo has begun preparations to impose its own economic sanctions on North Korea after the hardline regime rejected a UN Security Council resolution condemning its ballistic missile tests.
North Koreans living in Japan are believed to send large amounts of money to the North each year.
Japan will begin works to identify groups and individuals suspected of involvement with North Korea's missile development program through exchanging information with other countries including the United States, Yomiuri said.
North Korea drew international condemnation this month after firing seven missiles, including a long-range Taepodong-2 believed capable of reaching parts of the US, violating a self-imposed moratorium.
On Saturday, the UN Security Council unanimously passed a resolution criticizing the missile tests and banning all UN member states from dealing with North Korea on material or technology for missiles or weapons of mass destruction.
The North's UN ambassador promptly rejected the resolution at the Security Council and left the chamber, a breach of typical diplomatic protocol.
On Sunday, the North's Foreign Ministry warned of further repercussions.
Tokyo has so far only imposed limited sanctions against North Korea in the wake of its missile tests, including barring a trade ferry from Japanese ports. (AP)