Japan and US agree to seek new UN sanctions on North Korea

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama have agreed to cooperate to seek a new UN Security Council resolution authorizing additional sanctions against North Korea. Abe and Obama talked on the phone on Thursday following North Korea’s third nuclear test conducted in defiance of international opposition, according to Japan’s (NHK World) website. Abe said Tuesday’s nuclear test seriously undermines peace and security not only in Northeast Asia but also the international community. He said such conduct should never be tolerated. Abe said the UN Security Council should swiftly adopt a fresh resolution which includes additional and tougher sanctions against North Korea. For his part, Obama said the latest nuclear test is a grave threat to international peace and security. He called for a resolute response. He said a strong Security Council resolution, including additional sanctions against North Korea, should be adopted as soon as possible. Obama reconfirmed that the United States solidly maintains its commitment to the defense of Japan, including a nuclear deterrence.