EU adopts restrictive measures against DPRK

BRUSSELS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) foreign ministers on Monday adopted restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in accordance with a recent United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana (L) and Swedish European affairs minister Cecilia Malmstrom attend a press conference after first day meeting of EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, capital of Belgium, on July 27, 2009. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)

"The EU decided on autonomous measures within the scope of the UN Resolution, namely autonomous listing of items subject to export ban, autonomous listing of persons and entities subject to travel ban and asset freeze, enhanced financial vigilance and reinforced cargo inspections," the ministers said in a statement at a monthly meeting in Brussels.

Following a nuclear test carried out by the DPRK on May 25, this year, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1874 on June 12 with a view to widening the scope of the restrictive measures against the country.

In line with the resolution, the Security Council sanctions committee listed new sanctions earlier this month on five individuals and five entities believed to be involved in nuclear or ballistic missile development for the DPRK.

It also announced a ban on the shipment of two sensitive goods to or from the East Asian country.