US steps up curbs on North Korea

WASHINGTON: The United States will impose tough new sanctions on North Korea, in response to the sinking of a South Korean warship.

The US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton made the announcement after a visit to the fortified border between the two Koreas.

Watched through binoculars by North Korean soldiers, Hillary Clinton was given a guided tour of the de-militarised zone by US forces stationed at the Korean border.

Afterwards, the US Secretary of State announced new sanctions targeting Pyongyang”s sale and purchase of arms, and its importation of luxury goods.

Mrs Clinton says she hopes the measures will help Washington prevent North Korea”s weapons proliferation and its illicit business activities.

This weekend, thousands of US and South Korean force will stage military drills off the peninsula in a show of force against Pyongyang.