Rice seeks support for sanctions against North Korea

The US Secretary of State has called for the swift and effective implementation of UN sanctions against North Korea. Condoleezza Rice made her appeal after talks with her Japanese counterpart. Rice also said that North Korea was isolating itself from the world community by engaging in what she called “unacceptable” behaviour.

Amid fears Pyongyang is preparing a second nuclear test, Rice also stressed Washington’s commitment to defend its ally: “I reaffirm that the United States has the will and the capability to meet the full range, and I underscore, the full range of its deterrent and security commitments to Japan,” she said.

Rice’s hastily arranged trip to Japan, South Korea, China and Russia is aimed at rallying support to implement sanctions fully in line with the UN resolution passed last week. Pyongyang’s test has also raised concerns over an arms race in the region. But Japan has reiterated that it has no plans to develop atomic weapons.

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