UN to sanction North Korea`s space agency

London: In a resolution condemning North Korea`s ballistic missile launch, the United Nations Security Council will order sanctions against the country`s space agency.

Repeating the previous demands of the Security Council that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program and not proceed with further launches, a diplomatic source said that the resolution will impose new sanctions on North Korean companies, government agencies and several individuals, reports the Telegraph. The source said the proposed resolution also includes provisions against North Korea`s illicit procurement efforts, like smuggling of sensitive items that could contribute to the prohibited programs. He added that the resolution, which also includes five individuals, would also update lists of nuclear and ballistic missile technology banned for transfer to and from North Korea. According to envoys, the United States and China want a resolution passed before South Korea takes over the presidency of the Security Council. However, North Korea has denied the accusations, saying that the rocket was a ballistic test. Pyongyang said it was launching an observation satellite. ANI