UN mulls sanctions after North Korea missile launch

By Evelyn Leopold

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday considered imposing sanctions on North Korea's weapons program after the reclusive state test-fired a series of missiles including a long-range weapon.

Japan, backed by the United States and Britain prepared a resolution demanding that nations withhold all funds, goods and technology that could be used for North Korea's missile program.

But Russia said it opposed sanctions and would prefer a statement instead of a resolution as the outcome of the meeting.


Defying international warnings, North Korea launched at least six missiles in the early morning and a seventh some 12 hours later, officials in Japan and South Korea said.

North Korea fired 10 missiles, Russia said, but the report from a senior general could not be immediately confirmed.

The long-range Taepodong-2 missile apparently failed 40 seconds into its flight, U.S. officials said. Japanese and South Korean officials said the missiles fell into the sea separating the Korean peninsula from Japan.

The United States warned the communist state against any more provocative acts, and said Washington would take necessary measures to protect itself and its allies.

"The United States strongly condemns these missile launches and North Korea's unwillingness to heed calls for restraint from the international community," White House spokesman Tony Snow said in a statement.more

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