S. Korea welcomes new U.S. sanctions against N. Korea

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Friday welcomed the United States' adoption of fresh sanctions on North Korea and vowed to pile further pressure on the communist country if it continues with provocations.

"(South Korea) appreciates the U.S. government's announcement of an executive order with fresh sanctions on North Korea," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. "The latest executive order is expected to add to joint efforts by South Korea and the United States and the international community to bring North Korea to the path of denuclearization through strong sanctions and pressure," it noted.

On Thursday (U.S. time), President Donald Trump announced that he signed a new executive order, which he said "would significantly expands (U.S.) authorities to target individuals, companies and financial institutions that finance and facilitate trade with North Korea."

The fresh sanctions allow the government to cut access to the American financial system of any foreign financial company that conducts business with North Korea.

They also expanded the blacklist of individuals and entities that do business with North Korea in the construction, energy, finance, fishery and information technology sectors.

Vessels and aircraft that have visited North Korea in the past 180 days are prohibited from entering U.S. under the new sanctions.

"As long as North Korea continues its provocations, South Korea will keep considering various actions in cooperation with the U.S. to intensify international pressure on North Korea," the foreign ministry said.

"The faithful and complete implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2371 and 2375, is more important than anything else," it added.

pbr@yna.co.kr
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