Japan to amend laws for inspecting North Korean vessels

Japan may change its law to allow its sea-borne forces to interdict North Korean ships if the UN approves such a step, a top government official said today.

"There is a good chance" that the legislation process, which will enable Japan's Self-Defence Forces to inspect North Korean cargo on the high seas," Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura told a news conference, Kyodo news agency reported.

Currently, domestic laws prohibit Japanese warships to inspect foreign ship in waters close to it, the agency added.

Kawamura said this could change if UN Security Council adopts strict sanctions against North Korea.

"The government needs to consider how Japan can respond to requests to inspect cargo, including (developing) domestic legislation," Kawamura said.

The five permanent Security Council members — the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China — plus Japan and South Korea decided to impose strict sanctions on North Korea for its recent nuclear and missile tests, diplomats said.

Praising the UN draft text, includes tighter financial sanctions Kawamura said "we expect that it will turn out to be an effective resolution."