Russia, China may delay vote on N Korea sanctions

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 14 (Reuters) China and Russia have raised new objections to a UN resolution imposing arms and financial sanctions on North Korea that could delay a UN Security Council vote scheduled for today.

But US Ambassador John Bolton said the changes sought by Moscow and Beijing were largely technical and said he still expected a vote today in response to North Korea's test of a nuclear weapon on October 9.

One council member said he hoped for a vote about 1500 hrs EDT.

But China's UN Ambassador Wang Guangya said Beijing still wanted changes in a provision that authorises nations to stop cargo coming in and out of North Korea in search of dangerous weapons.

''We have concern about what this resolution might lead to, especially peace and stability in the region,'' Mr Wang said, shortly before consultations among key Security Council members today.

''I think that is the concern because this interception idea, once they put it in operation it could easily lead by one side or the other to a provocation of conflict which would have serious implications for the region, for the countries,'' Mr Wang told reporters.

The five permanent council members -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France -- and Japan met today morning before full 15-member council was to convene later in the day.

Russia's Defense Minister, Sergei Ivanov, said sanctions should not even ''hint at a possible use of military force'' following a meeting in Moscow with Chinese special envoy Tang Jiaxuan, according to Russian news agencies.

The resolution, a response to North Korea's nuclear weapons test on Monday, specifically excludes military force.

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