Barack Obama signs North Korea sanctions: US

The sanctions are aimed at punishing North Korea for its provocative recent nuclear test and rocket launch

US President Barack Obama today signed off on new sanctions against North Korea to punish the reclusive Asian nation for its provocative recent nuclear test and rocket launch.

The White House said Obama had signed measures passed by Congress, tightening sanctions on anyone importing goods or technology related to weapons of mass destruction into North Korea, or anyone who knowingly engaged in human rights abuses.