Japan Gets Tough with North Korea

Japan is taking measures to clamp down on the North's moves. A resolution condemning the communist state has been passed, and there may be more sanctions yet to come.

A resolution condemning Pyongyang's latest nuclear test was unanimously approved in the Japanese parliament Wednesday the 27th.

[Taro Aso, Japanese Prime Minister]:
"These acts by North Korea are a clear violation to the United Nations Security Council Resolution Number 1718, a violation to a prior agreement between Tokyo and Pyongyang, and a violation to a joint statement issued by the six nations involved in North Korean nuclear talks. It poses a serious challenge to the international framework towards nuclear non-proliferation."

In April, Japan extended economic sanctions on the North by a year, including a ban on imports.

The move came after the reclusive state fired what was widely seen as a long-range missile despite claims by Pyongyang that is was only a satellite launch.

[Takeo Kawamura, Chief Cabinet Secretary]:
"North Korea's defiant attitude towards the U.N. Security Council and its suggestion that the U.N. Security Council should even apologize shows that North Korea is moving in the wrong direction, failing to recognize the international community's opinions."

Wednesday’s censure may pave the way for tougher sanctions by Tokyo in the future.