Canada imposes new economic sanctions against North Korea

[News_Editor]

Canada imposes new economic sanctions against North Korea

2010-10-29 01:00:04 GMT+7 (ICT)

OTTAWA, CANADA (BNO NEWS) -- Canada on Thursday announced that it imposed new economic sanctions against North Korea under the Special Economic Measures Act as well as adopted a controlled engagement policy toward the Asian country.

The announcement was made by Lawrence Cannon, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Ottawa. Cannon added that the new measures follow a commitment made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper following the sinking of the South Korean vessel "Cheonan," which took the lives of 46 sailors.

"Canada takes a principled stand against those who recklessly commit acts of aggression in violation of international law. The adoption of a controlled engagement policy and the imposition of special economic measures send a clear message to the North Korean government that its aggressive actions will not be tolerated," said Minister Cannon.

Under the controlled engagement policy, the official bilateral contact between Canada and South Korea will be limited to regional security concerns, the human rights and humanitarian status in North Korea, inter-Korean relations and consular issues.

"North Korea’s aggressive actions represent a grave threat to international security and are particularly troubling with regard to stability in Northeast Asia. North Korea must take tangible steps in improving its behavior and complying with its obligations under international law." Cannon added.

The new economic sanctions include a prohibition on imports from, and exports to, North Korea; but humanitarian exceptions will apply. It is also included a ban on new investment in the Asian country by Canadian nationals and residents, as well as a ban on the provision of Canadian financial services and the transfer of technology and technical data.

Cannon remarked that the sanctions and measures taken against North Korea do not represent a punishment to the North Korean people but are aimed directly at the government. Canada urged Korean authorities to seek a path for a lasting peace and decrease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

"Canada is a vigorous defender of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world," the Foreign Minister said.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-29