This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6038490.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
UN ponders North Korea sanctions UN ponders North Korea sanctions
(20 minutes later)
Diplomats have not yet agreed on the sanctions North Korea should face, two days after the country reportedly carried out a nuclear test.Diplomats have not yet agreed on the sanctions North Korea should face, two days after the country reportedly carried out a nuclear test.
The UN Security Council is considering a US proposal which would impose a range of tough measures on Pyongyang.The UN Security Council is considering a US proposal which would impose a range of tough measures on Pyongyang.
But China and Russia are arguing against any sanctions that would be backed by military force.But China and Russia are arguing against any sanctions that would be backed by military force.
Earlier, reports of a second apparent nuclear test were dismissed by senior officials in South Korea and the US.Earlier, reports of a second apparent nuclear test were dismissed by senior officials in South Korea and the US.
A Japanese TV channel had said Tokyo officials were investigating reports of a further test following earth tremors in the area.A Japanese TV channel had said Tokyo officials were investigating reports of a further test following earth tremors in the area.
The nuclear test... marks a historic event... It will contribute to defending peace and stability North Korean statement Underground nuclear testing China's 'nightmare scenario'The nuclear test... marks a historic event... It will contribute to defending peace and stability North Korean statement Underground nuclear testing China's 'nightmare scenario'
But US and South Korean officials said they had detected no seismic activity in that area.But US and South Korean officials said they had detected no seismic activity in that area.
The US has proposed a 13-point draft resolution and wants to see the sanctions brought under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which means they would be mandatory and ultimately enforceable by military means.The US has proposed a 13-point draft resolution and wants to see the sanctions brought under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which means they would be mandatory and ultimately enforceable by military means.
The American Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has warned North Korea that it faces sanctions unlike any it has experienced before, because it had crossed "an important line" when it claimed it launched a nuclear test.The American Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has warned North Korea that it faces sanctions unlike any it has experienced before, because it had crossed "an important line" when it claimed it launched a nuclear test.
In an interview on American television, Ms Rice again ruled out direct talks between Washington and North Korea.
"Why are the North Koreans so insistent that there be bilateral talks?
Obviously we still have some difference of views and opinion with respect to some specifics that we'd like to see included Kenzo OshimaJapan's UN ambassador
"It's because they don't want the pressure of having China and South Korea and Russia and Japan at the table too.
"They would like nothing better than to have all of the pressure be on the United States to deliver a deal."
The US has suggested there should be a ban on military trade with North Korea and stringent inspections of cargo going into and out of the country.The US has suggested there should be a ban on military trade with North Korea and stringent inspections of cargo going into and out of the country.
But the Japanese want a complete ban on planes or ships from North Korea crossing their territory.But the Japanese want a complete ban on planes or ships from North Korea crossing their territory.
'Colossal blow' Iran support
Japan's ambassador to the UN, Kenzo Oshima, said negotiations on the draft resolution have become quite specific.Japan's ambassador to the UN, Kenzo Oshima, said negotiations on the draft resolution have become quite specific.
"Obviously we still have some difference of views and opinion with respect to some specifics that we'd like to see included," he said."Obviously we still have some difference of views and opinion with respect to some specifics that we'd like to see included," he said.
N KOREA NUCLEAR PROGRAMME Believed to have 'handful' of nuclear weaponsBut not thought to have any small enough to put in a missileCould try dropping from plane, though world watching closely
BBC correspondent Laura Trevelyan, who is at the UN headquarters in New York, said diplomats hoped to reach agreement by the end of the week.BBC correspondent Laura Trevelyan, who is at the UN headquarters in New York, said diplomats hoped to reach agreement by the end of the week.
HAVE YOUR SAY What is the world coming to? Mankind should be so much more civilized than this Jessica Cogswell, USA Send us your comments
Russia, which like China has resisted sanctions in the past, has said it is "ready to take part in joint efforts of the interested parties to arrive at a peaceful, diplomatic settlement of the situation".Russia, which like China has resisted sanctions in the past, has said it is "ready to take part in joint efforts of the interested parties to arrive at a peaceful, diplomatic settlement of the situation".
The response of China - the country that holds the most influence over the isolated regime - is seen by many analysts to be key in moving the crisis forward.The response of China - the country that holds the most influence over the isolated regime - is seen by many analysts to be key in moving the crisis forward.
China's UN ambassador, Wang Guangya, has said North Korea must face "some punitive actions" for conducting a nuclear test.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said: "This will no doubt have a negative impact on China and North Korea's relations."
North Korea's neighbours remain tense in the wake of Monday's announcement.
Only Iran, which also faces Security Council action over its failure to suspend its uranium enrichment programme - has voiced support for North Korea.Only Iran, which also faces Security Council action over its failure to suspend its uranium enrichment programme - has voiced support for North Korea.
The underground test reportedly took place in Gilju in Hamgyong province at 1036 (0136 GMT) on Monday morning.The underground test reportedly took place in Gilju in Hamgyong province at 1036 (0136 GMT) on Monday morning.