WASHINGTON (Sputnik), Leandra Bernstein — On Wednesday, the UN Security Council acted unanimously to expand sanctions on North Korea after Pyongyang recently conducted a nuclear bomb test and multiple long-range rocket launches. The sanctions resolution was drafted by China, North Korea’s primary trade partner, as well as the United States.
"As with every set of sanctions, you have to make sure you implement them," Menendez said on Thursday. "If we do that, then I think it can have serious consequences that can make [North Korea] move in a different direction."
The UN sanctions are aimed at blocking North Korea from continuing work on its nuclear weapons program. Under the new measures, all cargo going to and from North Korea must now be inspected. The measures also prohibit the nation's export of coal, iron, gold, titanium and rare natural minerals as well as ban conventional arms sale and delivery of aviation and rocket fuel to Pyongyang.
Following the UN action, Pyongyang launched a series of short-range missiles in the direction of the East Sea (Sea of Japan), according to reports from South Korea.
