Japan Working on Strengthening Unilateral Sanctions Against N Korea

Tokyo is about to finalize sanctions against Pyongyang after the UNSC sanctions imposed after North Korean nuclear test in September.

TOKYO (Sputnik) – Tokyo is about to finalize coordination of tightening unilateral sanctions against Pyongyang after the UN Security Council strengthened the international sanctions regime in response to the North Korean nuclear test in September, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Thursday.

"We highly appreciate adoption of new sanctions by the UN Security Council with regard to DPRK. We intend to cooperate closely with the international community for proper implementation of the resolution," Suga said at a press conference adding that Japan's government was at the "final stage of coordination" of the issue of strengthening unilateral sanctions against North Korea.

On Wednesday, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted draft resolution condemning "in the strongest terms" the nuclear test conducted by North Korea on September 9.

The UN Security Council adopted the first resolution on North Korea in 1993. In 2016, the Security Council held nine emergency consultations in response to Pyongyang’s nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. This year the country conducted two nuclear tests and at least 25 launches using ballistic missile technology.