Posted on 10/15/2006 11:55:50 PM PDT by Republicain
Australia is to ban North Korean ships from entering its ports following its recent claimed nuclear weapons test, the foreign minister has announced. Alexander Downer told Parliament the ban was in addition to sanctions that were agreed by the UN on Saturday.
The Australian move came as US envoy Christopher Hill arrived in Tokyo for talks on how to enforce the sanctions agreed against North Korea.
The UN resolution imposes both weapons and financial sanctions on the North.
But despite the unanimous vote, disagreements have emerged between the members of the council.
Beijing has indicated that it still has reservations about carrying out the extensive cargo inspections that Washington says are called for in the resolution.
Ship inspections
"We will in Australia introduce a ban on North Korean vessels visiting Australian ports, except in the most dire of emergencies," Mr Downer told parliament.
"I think that will help Australia make a quite clear contribution to the United Nations sanctions regime."
Mr Hill is expected to spend two days in Tokyo, which banned North Korean ships from its ports last week.
Talks will focus on US-Japan co-operation over the North Korean crisis.
Japan is looking at whether it can provide logistical support for US vessels if they start trying to inspect cargo ships going to or from North Korea.
Mr Downer indicated Australia, another key US ally, may also provide help in carrying out any stop and search.
Yup. North Korean ships need to start having "accidents" on the high seas that result in their "disappearance."
I'm certain that we FReepers wouldn't mind ponying up for some Mk 48 ADCAPs to replace the ones that went "missing" at about the same time as the NK ships.
Well done Australia!!
Un-official declaration of war.
NK will strike back like an animal in a corner.
I also read we have battle group heading to persian gulf,now, getting ready to face off with Iran when sanctions begin.
It is one day closer to WWIII. Time for Kim and Amadinajad to walk the walk or eat some dirt.
Time to take out the nuke program before they slaughter millions of infidels. I take them at their word, and their deeds are proof enough thta they are sincere. They chant death to America .... well here we come big mouth, we hear you.
That's exactly what I first thought of when I saw this.
US war poster, 1942. Australia and New Zealand stood with us in Vietnam, too, something the ex-peaceniks who run the media and the education system would prefer you didn't know.
I think the Aussies are becoming as good of an ally as GB.
What is the policy of the US? We already ban all ships from NK from our ports, right? Please say yes... anybody... :)
Yes and yes.
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October 15, 2006
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Australia will ban North Korean ships from entering its ports, toughening its response to the North's reported nuclear test, the foreign minister announced Monday.
Australia, a key U.S. ally, strongly backed a U.N. Security Council resolution imposing stiff sanctions on the communist country.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Australia would impose the port ban in addition to the U.N. sanctions.
"If we are to ban North Korean vessels from visiting Australian ports then I think that will help Australia make a quite clear contribution to the United Nations sanctions regime," Downer told Parliament.
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Can someone please tell me what ships from North Korea are carrying to trade?
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