EU adds persons, entity to sanction list against North Korea

The European Union (EU) here on Thursday announced it would add 18 people and one entity to the list of those subject to EU restrictive measures against North Korea, Xinhua reported.

According to a press release issued by the Council of the EU, those subjected to restrictive measures by the council's decision are mostly high-ranking military officials involved in key bodies responsible for "supporting or promoting the North Korea's nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programmes."

The additional listed entity is involved in the "development and operational implementation of" the aforementioned programmes. Sanctions include travel restrictions and an asset-freeze.

The decision brings the total number of people subject to EU restrictive measures to 66 and the number of entities to 42.

"These additional EU measures complement the sanctions regime imposed by several United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions," the release said.

EU restrictive measures against North Korea were introduced in 2006. The EU last strengthened its restrictive measures on March 31, 2016, transposing UNSC resolution 2270, which cuts the country off from any means to develop its nuclear and missile programmes.

The UNSC unanimously adopted resolution 2270 on North Korea on March 2 this year.

--IANS

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