TOKYO, April 7. /TASS/. The government of Japan has decided to extend its unilateral sanctions against North Korea for another two years, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a regular press conference on Friday.
"At today’s cabinet meeting, a decision was made to extend the sanctions against North Korea for two more years," Matsuno said. He explained the decision was needed also to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The official promised that the Japanese government would work closely with the international community to continue efforts toward addressing Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear program, and the issue around the Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean intelligence operatives.
Japan first imposed its unilateral sanctions on the DPRK in 2006, after Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test. The restrictions primarily target the import and export of goods, and ban North Korean vessels from calling at Japanese ports. Since their imposition, the sanctions have been repeatedly extended, while the list of affected companies, ships and individuals has expanded.