Draft sanctions resolution on N Korea hits snag

The United States-sponsored draft resolution to impose sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear tests has hit a fresh roadblock with China and Russia demanding further clarifications on the document.

American diplomats said differences on the draft, already softened to accomodate Beijing and Moscow, are of a technical rather than a substantial nature.

The resolution, which was circulated on Thursday among Security Council members, had accommodated Russia and China by removing the provision of blanket ban on import of arms.

China and Russia, diplomats say, have raised questions about the methods and legality of the inspections.

Washington is pressing for a vote today, but its diplomats said another meeting of the permanent five members of the Security Council and Japan will be needed to sort out the differences. That could delay the vote, which looked certain earlier yesterday.(PTI)