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THE UNITED STATES has sharply ramped up sanctions aimed at curtailing North Korea’s nuclear weapons drive, targeting the regime’s trading partners with a sweeping ban on business.
President Donald Trump unveiled the new measures as he met with the leaders of allies Japan and South Korea, even as key players China and Russia voiced unease with his more aggressive approach.
Two days after threatening in his first address to the UN General Assembly to “totally destroy” North Korea, Trump signed an executive order that would ban firms from operating in the United States if they deal with North Korea.
“Foreign financial institutions are now on notice that going forward they can choose to do business with the United States or with North Korea, but not both,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.
The United States already punishes foreign firms tied to North Korea’s military programmes but the latest action sharply expands the range, targeting businesses involved in everything from technology to fishing.
Financial companies may feel the biggest impact. Trump’s order also bans any aircraft or ship that has traveled to North Korea from landing in the United States.
The European Union readied its own sanctions. The 28-country bloc agreed to a ban on investments in North Korea and EU exports of oil to the regime, diplomatic sources said in Brussels.
Trump also said China’s central bank had ordered national banks to curb their dealings with North Korea, describing the move from Pyongyang’s key ally as “very bold” and “unexpected.”
North Korea in recent weeks detonated its sixth nuclear bomb and has test-fired intercontinental missiles — saying it needs to defend itself against hostility from the United States and its allies.
The US administration has refused to offer North Korea incentives to open negotiations and has ramped up threats of military action to force leader Kim Jong-Un — whom Trump mocked as “Rocket Man” — to change course.
But meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Trump said “Why not?” when asked whether there could be a dialogue with North Korea.
China, Russia warn on approach
China has by far the most influence on North Korea, providing an economic lifeline. But it also fears the consequences if the regime collapses, such as an exodus of refugees or a US-allied reunited Korea on its border.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the General Assembly there was still room for talks — the polar opposite of remarks a day earlier by Japan’s Abe who said that past dialogue had achieved nothing.
“There is still hope for peace and we must not give up. Negotiation is the only way out and deserves every effort,” said Wang, who also asked South Korea and Japan not to consider developing their own nuclear weapons.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that while his government condemns North Korea, “military hysteria is not just an impasse, it’s disaster.”
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It’s ok – if you’re looking for a really good podcast check out hunting warhead, the subject matter is difficult but i highly recommend. Hackers hacking hackers to bring down the worlds biggest pedofile ring on the dark net.
@Tommy Sheridan: Thanks for the recommendation, going to check this out
@Tommy Sheridan: Thx for the tip!
I was 4 when this story broke and i can still remember my then teenaged sisters crying at the TV watching it.
Doors chained shut is a horrifying thought, but in the context of that time, not so starnge. Health and safety as we know it now didn’t exist.
I was at a festival back in October, a complete idiot decided to throw a lighted cigarette up on top of a marquee with a lot of young people in it. No-one saw it happen, but there were only young people there and the next day the marquee company, who were taking it down, called me over on-site to see it. They wanted a witness to the damage it caused, so they could rightfully be compensated for the damage. Right over the marquee, which was on a sports ground, were CCTV cameras that would have very likey captured the incident. I asked the marquee company to report it to cops, who I think would have pursued it given the oppurtunity, but they said no as it would have impacted their working relationship with the sports ground. So the arsehole in question got away scot free.
Shite talk: An Irish history podcast. Quite fun.
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