Japan stands by resolution despite opposition

A TOP US envoy arrived in Tokyo yesterday to rally a united international front against North Korea’s recent missile tests, but cracks were already appearing over a Japanese proposal for sanctions.

The visit comes ahead of a pivotal UN Security Council decision on the proposed resolution.

Japan vowed yesterday to uphold the resolution, despite resistance to sanctions from China and wavering by South Korea.

US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said the major players are presenting a unified message to Pyongyang.

“I don’t see any splintering,” Mr Hill said, arriving in Tokyo after visits to Seoul and Beijing.

However, South Korean presidential security adviser Song Min soon said that it should first be determined “if such measures (sanctions) will be effective”.

China and Russia, who are opposed to the resolution, each have a veto on Security Council.

Speaking on Japan’s NHK Japan’s foreign minister Taro Aso said Russia could abstain from voting on the resolution, leaving China the only country in opposition.

“To compromise because of one country which has veto power, even though most other countries support us, sends the wrong message,” Mr Aso said.

In Washington, Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns said yesterday the focus should be on a resumption of six-party talks, during an interview with NBC.

Japan hopes to put the resolution to a vote today, after council members had the weekend to deliberate.