Japan to extend sanctions on N Korea

The Japanese government will extend its sanctions on North Korea for one more year after the current bans expire on April 13th. Japan first imposed sanctions on the North after it carried out missile launches and a nuclear test in 2006, according to Japan's (NHK WORLD) website. The extension has been motivated by the North's most recent satellite launch announcement and failure to resolve Japanese abductions. All North Korean ships are prohibited from harboring in Japan. All imports and exports to and from North Korea are banned. The Japanese cabinet is expected to decide on the extension early next month, and ask for DIET approval. If North Korea goes ahead with the launch, the Japanese government says it might call on the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution imposing additional sanctions. Japan may also add more of its own.