The UN Security Council voted unanimously Friday to slap tougher sanctions on

The UN Security Council voted unanimously Friday to slap tougher sanctions on North Korea in response to its recent nuclear test in violation of UN resolutions.

All 15 members endorsed a draft resolution sponsored by Britain, France, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
The text, which does not authorize the use of force, calls on UN member states to slap expanded sanctions on North Korea.

These include tougher inspections of cargo suspected of containing banned items related to North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, a tighter arms embargo with the exception of light weapons, and new financial restrictions.

The compromise text seeks to punish Pyongyang for its May 25 underground nuclear test and subsequent missile firings in violation of UN resolutions.

“We believe that this unified action by the Council represents a very significant step in response to what the North Korean government has been doing,” Britain’s deputy UN ambassador Philip Parham told reporters Friday ahead of the vote.

He expressed hope that the resolution would encourage Pyongyang “to abandon its current track and take the path of constructive engagement.” Read key points here

Watch a video of the Laura Ling and Euna Lee vigil in NYC. It includes all the performers.