Russia, China cast doubts on quick N.Korea vote

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 12 (Reuters) China and Russia today cast doubt on the chances for a quick vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution imposing economic and weapons sanctions on North Korea for its reported nuclear weapons test.

''I think that of course people are talking about a possible vote tomorrow, but I'm not sure,'' China's U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya said. ''There are many common grounds that members agree. But there are some disagreements.'' U.S. Ambassador John Bolton formally introduced the new draft resolution to U.N. Security Council in hopes of securing a vote on Friday but said he was open to further discussion and changes.

But the measure still retained some elements that China has objected to.

Asked about a Friday vote, Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said, ''I don't think so'' and indicated one should wait for results of the latest flurry of diplomatic activity.

''We think there should be a strong reaction but a cool- headed reaction,'' Churkin said.

He pointed to diplomatic meetings in Asia and in the United States and Russia. Tang Jiaxuan, a Chinese state councilor and former foreign minister met President George W. Bush and U.S.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the White House today and then was traveling on to Moscow.

China has used forceful language to condemn North Korea since it announced it had conducted a nuclear weapons test on Monday, a change of tack toward Pyongyang. Wang again today said Pyongyang's action was ''irresponsible.'' PUNITIVE MEASURES Beijing has agreed to punitive measures against its Communist ally. But it says encouraging a peaceful resolution, not punishment, should not be the focus.

The new U.S.-drafted resolution changes few provisions China opposed earlier, possibly delaying the U.N. timetable for a vote unless it is revised.

One measure China rejects is authorization for international inspections of cargo moving in and out of North Korea to detect weapons-related material.

Another dispute is enforcement of the resolution. The United States, Japan, Britain and France want the measure adopted under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which allows for sanctions and even military force -- if the council authorizes a specific action.

But Wang wants to invoke Article 41 of Chapter 7, thereby removing any inference of force. Article 41 allows economic sanctions as well as a ''complete or partial interruption'' of sea and air traffic and a rupture of diplomatic relations.

Since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, many countries fear invoking Chapter 7 could open the way for force, even if the council has not authorized it.

The resolution would impose an arms embargo, a ban on any transfer or development of weapons of mass destruction as well as a ban on the sale of luxury goods to North Korea. It would freeze funds overseas of people or businesses connected with North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

And it adds a proposal by Japan that would allow, but not require, nations to bar the entry of individuals and their families connected to or supporting the North's policies on weapons of mass destruction.

China's Wang urged caution, saying that the council should take ''firm, forceful and also appropriate'' action.

''By appropriate I mean it should reflect the feelings of the international community,'' Wang said. ''But more important it should be helpful for leading to a solution of this issue by peaceful means and it should also create conditions for the parties to once again engage in negotiations.'' Reuters PR DB2244