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Australia sanctions North Korea over satellite launch

By AAP Newswire

Dec 1, 2023

North Korea launches a rocket carrying a spy satellite on November 21 — Australia has added more sanctions on North Korea following its November 21 satellite launch. -AP

Australia has condemned North Korea's satellite launch as a reckless act that seriously undermines regional security and stability.

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Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the November 21 launch violated UN Security Council resolutions on ballistic missile technology.

Senator Wong on Friday announced targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on a further seven individuals and one entity associated with North Korea's weapons of mass destruction or missile programs and the satellite launch.

These sanctions were issued in co-ordination with new designations announced by the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

"Australia is working with our allies and partners to slow the development of North Korea's destabilising weapons programs and increase pressure on its procurement and revenue generation networks," Senator Wong said in a statement.

"North Korea must comply fully with UNSC resolutions to abandon its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner."

Senator Wong said North Korea should engage in constructive dialogue and move towards permanent peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.