The UN Security Council has imposed weapons-related sanctions on North Korea in response to Pyongyang's missile tests earlier this month. All UN members are now obliged to prevent trade with North Korea of missiles and missile-related items.

The US ambassador to the UN John Bolton urged North Korea to return to the diplomatic fold. "We hope this resolution will demonstrate to North Korea that the best way to improve the livelihood of its people and end its international isolation is to stop playing games of brinkmanship and restore its missile moratorium, return to six-party talks and implement the terms of the joint statement from the last round of those talks."

North Korea's Pak Gil Yon was defiant. "The delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea resolutely condemns the attempt of some countries to misuse the Security Council for the despicable political aim of isolating and putting pressure on the DPRK." The North Korean ambassador said the country's missile development served "to maintain the balance of force and preserve peace and stability in Northeast Asia".

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South Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesman Choo Kyu-ho is seen near the national flag while he reads the government's statement about the U.N. Security Council's adoption of a resolution against North Korea, in Seoul July 16, 2006. (Reuters)