US slaps new sanctions on North Korea

The U.S. on Tuesday continued to apply economic pressure on North Korea for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, sanctioning eight banks and 26 individuals.


All of the individuals are linked to North Korean financial networks, according to the Treasury Department that said they operate on behalf of North Korean banks in China, Russia, Libya and the United Arab Emirates.

“We are targeting North Korean banks and financial facilitators acting as representatives for North Korean banks across the globe,” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement.

Mnuchin's department listed the eight banks as the Agricultural Development Bank, Cheil Credit Bank, Hana Banking Corporation Ltd, International Industrial Development Bank, Jinmyong Joint Bank, Jinsong Joint Bank, Koryo Commercial Bank Ltd and Ryugyong Commercial Bank.

• The economic penalties come as President Donald Trump again warned if the U.S. takes military action "it will be devastating.

"That's called the military option. If we have to take it we will," Trump said during a joint press conference with Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

Trump maintained, however, the U.S. would prefer not to pursue the option, but said if it has to Washington is "totally prepared for it.”
 [aa.com.tr]
 26/9/17