Sanctions against N. Korea in doubt

UNITED NATIONS, July 13 (UPI) -- Moves by China and Russia at the United Nations may block U.S.-backed mandatory sanctions against North Korea for its ballistic missile testing.

The Washington Post reports the two countries have offered a draft resolution that would only strongly deplore North Korea's July 4 missile tests. They also have endorsed only voluntary measures to restrain the North's missile and nuclear weapons programs.

The Post says the latest moves by China and Russia may force the United States, Japan and their European allies to either offer concessions to win China and Russia's support or see their sanctions resolution vetoed.

China's U.N. ambassador, Wang Guangya, was quoted as confirming that his country is prepared to veto the legally binding resolution that would condemn the missile tests, demand North Korea cease launching missiles, and ban trade in nuclear or missile technology with North Korea. Wang feels the resolution could eventually become a pretext for military action against North Korea.

Publicly, U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said the Chinese and Russian initiatives were a significant step forward as in the past the two countries had refused to consider the passage of any resolution.