ROK considers stronger sanctions on DPRK nuke test
SEOUL - The Republic of Korea (ROK) is considering drawing up stronger sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) if it conducts another nuclear test, local media reported Thursday.
The government is considering consultations with the United States, China and Japan over sanctions stronger than the ones imposed under the UN resolution 2087, adopted earlier this month after Pyongyang's controversial satellite launch, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The report came after President Lee Myung-bak convened a security meeting Thursday morning and discussed a projected nuclear test by Pyongyang and the Dec 12 launch that critics say was a disguised missile test.
During the meeting, Lee ordered "strong military readiness" in response to "escalation in military tensions on the Korean peninsula," according to the presidential Cheong Wa Dae.
The DPRK, which has defended its right to launch a satellite for peaceful and scientific purposes, recently vowed to proceed with the "high-level nuclear test" and continue long-rocket rocket launches to protest sanctions.
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- Pyongyang denies intention to conduct nuclear test
- DPRK may have 3rd nuclear test in 2011: ROK
