Russia seeks observer status at the ADB
Moscow: Russia has announced that it was vying for a full-time membership of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and added that it would seek an observer status for itself. The announcement was made by the Russian finance minister, Alexei Kudrin, currently on a visit to China. The ADB, a regional body, comprises of more than 60 Asian countries.

According to Kudrin, the move would help Russian companies participate in major projects in Asia.
Back to News Review index page  

US circulates new draft resolution on North Korea at the UN
The United Nations: The United States has circulated a new draft UN resolution among members of the Security Council, which retains tough economic and weapons sanctions against North Korea for conducting nuclear tests, but makes it clear that military force would not be used without approval of the council.

According to diplomatic sources, a vote on the issue could come as early as Saturday morning should the foreign ministers approve the resolutions, which has been sent to the capitals of the member countries.

The resolution proposed by the USA is being made under Chapter 7, but invokes Article 41, which allows sanctions but not the use of military force for enforcement. This compromise accommodates concerns of both Washington, which wanted a resolution under Chapter 7, and of Beijing, which did not want the use of military force.
Back to News Review index page