National News New shipping law pressures N. Korea

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A new law took effect March 1 that bars most North Korean ships from Japanese ports, and officials are watching to see whether it squeezes a major lifeline to the impoverished state.

Japan will require all foreign ships over 100 tons to be insured against oil spills, losses and other damages in order to enter under the new law.

With few North Korean ships believed to meet that requirement, the measure effectively bars them from direct trade and has been referred to by some as economic sanctions in disguise.

Japan has refrained from outright economic sanctions amid concerns they could disrupt delicate six-nation negotiations with the North on its nuclear threat.

The North relies heavily on ships that travel to Japan. Such ships carry seafood and other goods for trade, while bringing back much-needed supplies and remittances from pro-Pyongyang Korean residents in Japan. (AP, Kyodo)

改正油濁法で外国船規制

改正油濁法が1日から施行されたことにより、ほとんどが保険未加入と見られる北朝鮮船が、日本の港に入港できなくなった。

Shukan ST: March 11, 2005

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