Japan bans North Korean ships
In a unilateral response to the nuclear test carried out by North Korea this week, the Japanese government has imposed a complete six-month ban on the entry of all North Korean ships, imports and citizens into Japan. The measure was widely anticipated after Kim Jong Il’s regime ignored international requests and went ahead with the test on Monday. Income from North Korea’s trade with Japan is a thought to be an important source of overseas currency for the impoverished country. An official from the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) told Fairplay in Tokyo that its regional offices were cooperating with port authorities to ensure that the shipping entry ban will be enforced with effect from midnight on Friday, 13 October, for an initial period of six months. The spokesman confirmed that there are currently 24 North Korean vessels in Japanese ports, including four vessels in Otaru, one in Shimonoseki, eight in Maizuru and 11 at Sakaiminato. All vessels have been told to depart before 2400 hrs Saturday.
