US senators introduce resolution condemning N. Korean nuclear test

U.S. senators have introduced a resolution condemning North Korea's fifth nuclear test and stronger sanctions on the communist nation, congressional records showed Friday.

Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) brought in the resolution (S.Res.564) on Thursday, saying the North's nuclear and ballistic missile tests pose a major threat to the United States and the United States' allies and partners in Asia and beyond.

Co-sponsoring the resolution were Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Charles Schumer (D-NY).

"The Senate condemns the North Korean regime for continuing its dangerous provocations, focusing solely on the advancement of its nuclear and missile capabilities while violating the human rights of its people," the resolution said.

It also urged the North to immediately and unconditionally abandon its nuclear and missile programs and called on China to exercise its leverage over the North, including through aggressive enforcement of U.N. Security Council sanctions.

The resolution also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defending allies in the region, including through deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to South Korea, and "extended deterrence" guaranteed by the full spectrum of U.S. defense capabilities.

It called for the U.N. Security Council to adopt "additional and meaningful new measures" against the North, including eliminating exceptions in the existing sanctions, further restrictions on imports and exports of coal, iron, and precious metals and the prohibition on fuel oil exports to the North.

Other proposed sanctions include denying those involved in the North's weapons program access to international banking; restrictions on the supply of aviation fuel; a ban on bulk cash transfers to and from the North; and the prevention of the use of North Korean labor in third-country projects and agreements. (Yonhap)