Japan Extends Sanctions against N. Korea for 2 years

The Japanese government decided to extend its sanctions against North Korea for two years due to Pyongyang's frequent ballistic missile launches.

The sanctions were announced in 2006 after the North carried out nuclear tests and launched ballistic missiles.

Meanwhile, two sanctions that include a ban on port calls by North Korean-registered ships and a total trade embargo are set to end on 13 April.

Tokyo highlighted that the two measures will be extended for two more years, as Pyongyang continued to carry out different kinds of ballistic missile tests.

In the same vein, the government cited a lack of progress in the effort to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by the North.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu affirmed that Japan will work with the international community and exert efforts to develop a comprehensive solution to the abductions issue and the matter of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.