Philippine authorities have seized a North Korean cargo ship docked at a port in the country following the adoption of UN sanctions on Pyongyang over its recent nuclear and missile tests, officials say.
The Jin Teng cargo vessel, weighing 6830 tonnes and owned by Hong Kong-based company Golden Soar Development, was inspected on Thursday by Philippine coast guards at Subic port, west of Manila, hours after the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for all ships coming from or heading to North Korea to be inspected throughout the world.
Presidential Communication Secretary Manuel Quezon told state-run radio channel dzRB that the government decided to seize the ship on Saturday and prevent it from leaving the port, adding that the crew will be deported.
"We know the whole world has been affected by what is happening in North Korea because of its nuclear weapons program and its development of intercontinental ballistic missiles," said Quezon, adding that as a member of the UN, "we have the obligation to adhere to the sanctions."
He also said the Philippine government is awaiting the arrival of a team from the UN, which will inspect the vessel.
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The 15 member countries of the UN unanimously approved a resolution, negotiated for weeks by American and Chinese officials, which imposes significant limitations on trade with North Korea.
Among other measures, the resolution includes a total ban on sales of light weapons and imposes new financial sanctions targeting North Korean banks and assets.
For the first time it also imposes penalties on various economic sectors, which will restrict and, in some cases, prohibit North Korea from exporting raw materials including coal, iron, gold, titanium and rare earth metals.
The resolution imposes a ban on aircraft and rocket fuel and sanctions on individuals and entities.
