EU stops natural gas sales to North Korea

By Ilker Girit

ISTANBUL

The European Union on Tuesday strengthened measures on North Korea over missile tests, banning natural gas sales and imports of textiles.

The EU said the restrictive measures were taken in response to the Pyongyang's "ongoing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles-development activities, in violation and flagrant disregard of previous UN Security Council resolutions".

While the new measures also include limitations on the sale of refined petroleum products and crude oil, EU member states will not provide new work permits to North Korean nationals.

Tuesday's decision adds that all North Korean citizens "are suspected of generating revenue which is used to support the country's illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes".

The EU also said a total number of 63 individuals and 53 entities were sanctioned under restrictive measures as listed by the UN, while 38 individuals and four entities have been designated by the bloc autonomously.

North Korea is also facing strong sanctions from the U.S. and firm condemnation from the international community in the wake of repeated missile launches and nuclear tests.

Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test on Sept. 3 led to the adoption of the ninth UN Security Council resolution since 2006, which further tightened international sanctions on the country.