US urges UN security council to vote on North Korea sanctions after nuclear test

The United States has asked the UN Security Council to hold a vote on a resolution that would impose tough new sanctions on North Korea in response to Pyongyang's latest nuclear test and rocket launch.

A vote on the resolution, drafted by the US and North Korea's traditional ally China, has been held up for several days by Russia, which asked for more time to study the lengthy text and has reportedly suggested changes.