The UN Security Council on Wednesday imposed the toughest sanctions yet on North Korea in response to the country's recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests, according to dpa, the new sanctions include the following: CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS The resolution prohibits the sale of all weapons to North Korea including small arms and light weapons, whose transfer had not been prohibited under previous UN sanctions. The text also bans the sale of any items, except for food and medicine, that could bolster the operational capabilities of the country's military. TRAINING AND COOPERATION Countries are prohibited from training North Korean nationals in any area that could contribute to the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The text also bans technical cooperation with North Korea on launches using ballistic missile technology. Countries are barred from hosting or using the services of North Korean military advisors or trainers. CARGO INSPECTIONS All cargo going in or out of North Korea are subject to inspections. North Korean airplanes suspected of carrying prohibited items are not allowed to land, take off or overfly countries unless they are inspected. North Korea is not allowed to charter ships and airplanes. SECTORAL SANCTIONS The resolution imposes a complete ban on the export of gold, titanium ore, vanadium ore and rare earth minerals from North Korea and a ban on the export of coal, iron and iron ore from the country, unless such sales are determined to be exclusively for livelihood purposes. Countries are barred from selling aviation fuel, including rocket fuel, to North Korea. FINANCIAL SANCTIONS The resolution calls on countries to freeze the assets of North Koreans associated with the government and the Worker's Party of Korea. It imposes travel bans and asset freezes on 16 individuals and 12 entities in addition to the ones included on earlier sanctions lists. The text prohibits North Korean banks from opening new branches in foreign countries. LUXURY GOODS The text prohibits the sale of luxury items to North Korea including luxury watches; transportation items such as aquatic recreational vehicles and snowmobiles valued greater than 2,000 dollars; recreational sports equipment; and items made of lead crystal. DISMANTLING SMUGGLING NETWORKS The resolution requires countries to expel North Korean diplomats and other foreign nationals engaged in smuggling prohibited items to North Korea.
