Digital News Report

Digital News Report- A resolution drafted by the United States to expand sanctions against North Korea due to their recent underground nuclear test and continued missile launches has been presented to the United Nations Security Council.  The resolution includes cargo inspections, a total arms embargo, and financial sanctions.  Previous sanctions failed due to the countries business relationship with China, however China has supported the current resolution.  The resolution could be adopted as early as Friday.

Tensions between North Korea and the United States have been heightened since two American journalists were sentenced to twelve years in a labor camp for a “grave crime.” Senator John Kerry has urged North Korea to release the two reporters as a way to “reach out to the world,” during the tense stand off.

The two reporters, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, work for Al Gore’s Current TV.  They were detained near the China-North Korean border on March 17th.  Details of the incident and resulting trial are unknown due to North Korea’s isolation from the larger world community.  Laura Ling is the sister of CNN reporter Lisa Ling.  Euna Lee was born in South Korea, but moved to the United States for college.

North Korea also recently announced Kim Jong-Il’s successor, Kim Jong Un, his youngest son.  Some have speculated that North Korea’s recent activity may be related to an upcoming transition of power.