The United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to impose weapons-related sanctions on North Korea for its recent missile tests.
North Korea immediately rejected the resolution and vowed to continue its missile program. Its UN representative Pak Gil Yon called the council's action "unjustifiable and gangster-like."
The resolution requires all member states to block North Korea from receiving or selling missile technology and goods. It also demands Pyongyang stop all activities related to its missile program.
To avert a veto from China, the resolution does not mention a reference to Chapter Seven of the UN charter, which opens the door to military force.
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton said the resolution sends an unequivocal, and unambiguous message to North Korea.
Japan's vice-foreign minister Shintaro Ito hailed the resolution as a milestone, saying that North Korea's recent missile tests were "reckless and condemnable."
The agreement was reached Saturday after a last minute compromise between countries who wanted a tough statement, such as Japan and the United States, and Russia and China, who favored weaker language.
The final details were agreed to among leaders attending the G-8 summit in Russia. The council has struggled for days over how to best respond to a series of missiles North Korea launched on July 5th.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
