Japan approves financial sanctions against N Korea

TOKYO, Sep 19 (Reuters) Japan's cabinet approved today financial sanctions against North Korea to increase pressure on Pyongyang to return to six-party talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear and missile programmes.

The steps will effectively freeze remittances and the transfer of financial assets to North Korea by those suspected of links to the development of weapons of mass destruction.

The clampdown -- which tightens a requirement to get government permission for such fund flows -- is in line with a United Nations resolution passed after North Korea defied international warnings and test-fired seven missiles in July.

North Korea agreed a year ago to dismantle its nuclear programme in return for aid, security assurances and improved diplomatic ties but has refused to return to six-party talks on its missile and nuclear programmes since late last year.

In response to the missile tests, Japan banned from its ports for six months a North Korean ferry that provides the only direct passenger link between the two countries, and barred the entry of government officials from the reclusive communist state.

REUTERS PDS BST0752