The UN Security Council unanimously approved sanctions against North Korea Saturday after the reclusive communist state claimed Monday to have carried out an underground nuclear weapons test.
The U.S.-drafted resolution aims at restraining North Korea's nuclear and missile potential but contains no economic sanctions or appeals for the use of force.
Leonid Slutsky, the first deputy head of the State Duma committee for international affairs, told RIA Novosti that the adoption of the resolution was "the world community's just reaction to Pyongyang's actions."
The resolution, which calls North Korea's test a "clear threat to international peace and security", allows inspections of North Korean cargos, which may contain weapons of mass destruction or related supplies.
The resolution also prohibits trade with North Korea in dangerous weapons, imposes bans on heavy conventional weapons and luxury goods and urges other countries to freeze funds connected with North Korea's non-conventional arms programs.
The sanctions will be lifted as soon as Pyongyang agrees to give up its nuclear programs and returns to the six-nation talks.
"North Korean nuclear tests are dangerous for the region and global security," Slutsky said adding that Pyongyang failed to fully realize the danger of these tests.
He also said the U.S. pressure on North Korea had led to Pyongyang's refusal "to cooperate with the international community and hold consultations on its nuclear program."
Slutsky said the talks on this problem should be continued in the six-nation format.
"The expulsion of North Korea from the talks will lead to the country's further self-isolation," he said adding that in this case Pyongyang would continue implementing its military programs.
The six-nation talks involving North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Japan, China and the United States - were launched in 2003, when the North withdrew from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but stalled last November over Pyongyang's demands that the U.S. lift sanctions imposed on it for its alleged involvement in counterfeiting and other illegal activities.
