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Japan formally decides on new sanction on DPRK

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-04-10 14:05

TOKYO -- The Japanese government on Friday formally decided to impose additional sanctions on Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in response to its rocket launch Sunday and to extend current sanctions due to expire Monday for one year.

Related readings:  Five nations, Japan to meet on DPRK launch  Diplomacy to ease DPRK tensions  China urges prudence over DPRK sanctions  UN divided on DPRK, security threat assessed

The additional sanctions reduce the amount of remittance to the DPRK subject to reporting to the Japanese government from more than 30 million yen (about $298,000) to more than 10 million yen (about $99,480) and lower the amount of money subject to reporting by travelers to the DPRK from more than1 million (about $9,948) to more than 300,000 yen (about $2,984).

"The measure is aimed at getting a clearer picture of fund flows to North Korea (DPRK)," Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura told reporters, adding that the move is "appropriate giving consideration to the unsettled abduction issue".

The government is also determined to extend the current sanctions, including a ban on port calls by DPRK-registered vessels, by one year instead of six months.

The government has decided to give up on its plan to include a total ban on exports to the DPRK as the effectiveness of such a ban would be limited given that the value of exports to the DPRK stands at around several hundred million yen (several million US dollars) each year, according to Kyodo News.

Japan imposed sanctions on DPRK in July 2006 after it test-fired ballistic missiles, and placed a ban on imports from the country following the nuclear test in October that year. The sanctions have since been extended every six months.