UN expands targeted sanctions against North KoreaJune 3, 2017 - 11:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UN Security Council has expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea in response to a series of missile tests conducted by Pyongyang this year, BBC News reports. The measures impose a travel ban and asset freeze on four entities and 14 officials, including the head of North Korea's overseas spying operations. The council voted unanimously to back the sanctions after weeks of negotiations between the US and China. Pyongyang has defied a UN resolution banning all nuclear and missile tests. The sanctions resolution was adopted by the 15-member council on Friday. Among the 14 North Korean officials is Cho Il-u, who leads Pyongyang's foreign espionage operations. The other blacklisted officials are senior members of North Korea's Workers' Party and heads of trading firms funding Pyongyang's military programme. North Korea's strategic rocket force, the Koryo Bank and two trading firms were also added to the list. The Koryo Bank is linked to a party office that manages finances of North Korea's top officials, including leader Kim Jong-un. Pyongyang has been testing its missiles at an unprecedented pace. It says its nuclear programme is defensive and intended to counter US aggression. But experts fear the tests indicate progress towards Pyongyang's ultimate goal of putting a nuclear warhead on a missile that could strike the continental US. US President Donald Trump has warned North Korea that America's "strategic patience" over the North's nuclear ambitions came to an end. Washington has recently sent its aircraft carrier to the Korean peninsula. At the same time, the US has been negotiating with China - North Korea's ally - to put more pressure on the secretive regime. The UN Security Council first imposed sanctions against North Korea in 2006 in response to its missile and nuclear programmes. The council has since strengthened its measures. Photo: AP Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |