Japan to formally introduce N Korea UN resolution

UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (Reuters) Japan today will formally introduce its UN Security Council draft resolution calling for sanctions against North Korea, after which a vote could be called within 24 hours, US Ambassador John Bolton announced.

But no vote has been set and changes to the draft on applying sanctions to North Korea's missile programs could still be made.

China, however, said it preferred a presidential Security Council statement, which carries less weight. Ambassador Wang Guangya did not say whether he would abstain or use his veto power but told reporters, ''All possibilities are open on the table here.'' Bolton, who is co-sponsoring the Japanese draft along with Britain and France, said: ''Japan will introduce the text of the resolution. The sentiment on the council has really been overwhelming to have a resolution.'' REUTERS SY PM2308