Japan to impose more North Korea sanctions-Kyodo

TOKYO, Sep 19 (Reuters) Japan's cabinet has approved additional financial sanctions against North Korea, Kyodo news agency said today.

The steps will effectively freeze remittances and the transfer of financial assets to North Korea by those suspected of links to its weapons of mass destruction or missile programmes, Kyodo said.

The clampdown is in line with a United Nations resolution passed after North Korea defied international warnings and test-fired seven missiles into the sea 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 BST0729