UN Council gets new compromise text on N Korea

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 13 (Reuters) A new compromise US draft resolution retains stringent economic and weapons sanctions against North Korea but makes clear the measures do not include military force, according to a text circulated to UN Security Council members on Thursday.

In an effort to meet objections from China and Russia, the draft resolution, obtained by Reuters, eliminates a blanket arms embargo but bans heavy conventional weapons, like armored combat vehicles, attack helicopters, warships and missiles.

Still, the resolution retains a controversial provision that allows nations to inspect cargo to and from North Korea to prevent trafficking in nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and related materials. But the measure now says such action should be ''cooperative'' without elaborating.

Monday's announcement from Pyongyang that it had carried out a nuclear weapons test prompted stiff Chinese and Russian condemnation that encouraged US hopes for a united response from the 15-nation Security Council.

Japan's UN Ambassador Kenzo Oshima, the current council president, told reporters he hoped for a vote tomorrow on the revised text, the third this week. But foreign ministers still have to approve the draft resolution.

The resolution would also impose 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 in ''accordance with each nation's respective legal processes.'' The resolution draws up a delicate compromise for enforcement measures under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which includes sanctions, blockades and military actions to deal with threats to international peace and security.

Although there is no automatic use of force unless the council specifically authorizes it, China feared military action might be implied so it wanted to invoke Article 41 of Chapter Seven. This restricts sanctions to economic, diplomatic and other nonmilitary measures.

In arcane phrasing, the text now puts the resolution ''under Chapter Seven of the Charter of the United Nations, and taking measures under its Article 41.'' REUTERS BDP KN1008