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Pyongyang Warns South Korea on Sanctions

North Korea has singled out South Korea in its latest warnings about the potential for war, switching from threatening the United States to its southern neighbor. Pyongyang, apparently feeling the pinch of pressure from a recent United Nations Security Council Resolution, 1718, which bans certain forms of trade and authorizes the interdiction of ships bound for North Korea or sailing from the country, has been lashing out repeatedly ever since its October 9 detonation of a nuclear weapon. South Korea, though, had already stated it would not enforce the sanctions vigorously, owing to the potential for hostilities.

In other news related to the ongoing crisis connected with North Korea, traditionally neutral Switzerland has stated that it will participate voluntarily in the sanctions regime set in place against the ?Democratic People?s Republic of Korea?. Japan has already set about enforcing its own sanctions on the Pyongyang regime, while the two nations do not share diplomatic relations, ships which were previously docked at Japanese ports are now barred for the next six months. And the U.S., worried about Iran?s pursuit of nuclear technology, has called for sanctions similar to those in place against North Korea being implemented against Tehran.

A statement from the official North Korean news agency said ?South Korea, forced by the United States, has already halted inter-Korea humanitarian projects and is moving to stop cooperation in other areas. The South is even revealing an intention to join U.S.-led military operations aimed at blockade against us.?