UN tightens N Korea sanctions over rocket launch

The sanctions were tightened over N Korea’s failed rocket launch. The country was also warned of new action if the isolated state stages a new nuclear test.The 15-member council -- including permanent member China -- unanimously agreed a statement strongly condemning the launch on Friday which it said had caused grave security concerns in Asia.The council ordered new entities and items to be added to the sanctions committee list created after North Korea staged nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009.It also ordered the sanctions committee to revise the individuals and North Korean firms and entities subject to the international measures.The council said the launch of the rocket, which disintegrated over the Yellow Sea shortly after it was sent up, was a serious violation of UN resolutions 1718 and 1874.North Korea said its rocket launch was a weather satellite, but the United States and its allies said it was an attempt to test a missile launcher.The council demanded that North Korea hold back from any launches using ballistic missile technology, suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program and keep to its promised moratorium on missile launches.The Security Council expresses its determination to take action accordingly in the event of a further DPRK launch or nuclear test.--AFP